EU Naval Force Warship HNLMS Van Speijk Provides Assistance to Seafarers off the Somali Coast

On Sunday 2 November 2014, EU Naval Force warship, HNLMS van Speijk, came to the assistance of local seafarers, after their boat suffered severe engine problems out to sea.

EU Naval Force Flagship ITS Andrea Doria Departs Dubai After Counter-Piracy Week

The flagship of the EU Naval Force, ITS Andrea Doria, has completed her visit to Dubai.  The Italian Navy destroyer was in port to participate in the UAE counter-piracy week between Monday 27 and Friday 31 October.

German Maritime Patrol Aircraft Achieves 4,000 Flying Hours with EU Naval Force off the Coast of Somalia

On Sunday 2 November the German Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA), which is currently operating as part of the EU Naval Force, reached an impressive 4,000 flying hours milestone with Operation Atalanta.

Royal New Zealand Air Force Completes Successful Mission with European Union’s Counter-Piracy Operation Atalanta off the Coast of Somalia

Between 24 October – 6 November 2014 the Royal New Zealand Air Force contributed to the European Union’s counter-piracy mission, Operation Atalanta off the coast of Somalia.

EU Naval Force Warship BNS LEOPOLD I Visits Kenyan Fishermen at Sea

EU Naval Force warship BNS Leopold I carried out a friendly approach on a Kenyan fishing vessel in the Somali Basin.

EU Naval Force Warship BNS LEOPOLD I reaches the Halfway stage of her Deployment

EU Naval Force warship BNS Leopold I is now halfway through her deployment as part of EU Naval Force. Over the last two months, the warship has conducted counter-piracy operations across the Area of Operations. She has also conducted friendly approaches on more than 20 local dhows and skiffs.

EU Naval Force Warship HNLMS Van Speijk hosts visit by the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy

On the 9th of November, EU Naval Force Warship HNLMS Van Speijk was honored by the visit of the Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Lieutenant-General Rob Verkerk.

EU Naval Force and Chinese Navy Ships Meet at Sea in the Gulf of Aden

On Monday 10th November, the EU Naval Force Flagship, ITS Andrea Doria, and the Chinese Flagship CNS Changbaishan met at sea in the Gulf of Aden.

EU Naval Force Flagship ITS Andrea Doria Meets Local Seafarers in Gulf of Aden

One of Operation Atalanta’s objectives is to develop a greater understanding of the way of life of fishermen and other seafarers who sail in the Gulf of Aden. As a result, EU Naval Force flagship, ITS Doria was recently tasked to meet local fishermen, who, until two years ago, lived with the constant fear of being attacked by Somali pirates.

Spanish Ambassador in Oman Visits ESPS Navarra During Port Visit to Muscat

On Sunday 9 November the Spanish Ambassador to Oman, His Excellency Mr Juan José Urtasun, paid a visit to ESPS Navarra during her port visit to Muscat. Port visits such as this are an opportunity to resupply the Spanish warship with food and stores, and give the crew the opportunity to take some rest and recuperation when not on-watch or duty.

EU Naval Force Commander Visits Serbian Maritime Protection Team On Board World Food Programme Vessel

On Saturday 15 November the EU Force Commander, Rear Admiral Guido Rando, visited the Serbian maritime protection team that is currently embarked in a World Food Programme (WFP) vessel. The protection team, known as an Autonomous Vessel Protection Detachment, or AVPD, is tasked, as part of the EU Naval Force, to protect WFP vessels from pirate attack as they transit along the Somali coastline.

Chief of the German Navy Vice Admiral Andreas Krause Visits EU Naval Force Operational Headquarters in London

Earlier today the Chief of the German Navy, Vice Admiral Andreas Krause, visited the EU Naval Force Operational Headquarters in Northwood, London.

EU Naval Force Warship HNLMS Van Speijk Escorts Food Aid Ship Through Somali Waters

EU Naval Force Dutch frigate, HNLMS Van Speijk, has escorted a World Food Programme (WFP) vessel along the Somali coast to keep it safe from a potential pirate attack.  The WFP ship was carrying food such as soya, cooking oil and flour from Mombasa in Kenya to the Somali port of Kismayo. The food will now be distributed to displaced people in Somalia, who have suffered from drought and food shortages.

EU Counter-Piracy Operation Atalanta Extended to End of 2016

The Council has extended the EU’s counter-piracy Operation Atalanta by two more years, until 12 December 2016. The Operation’s main focus is the protection of World Food Programme vessels delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia; and the deterrence, repression and disruption of piracy off the Somali coast. In addition, Operation Atalanta contributes to the monitoring of fishing activities off the coast of Somalia.

EU Naval Force Warship HNLMS Van Speijk Hosts EU Civilian Crisis Management Committee

During their recent port visit to Djibouti, Dutch warship HNLMS van Speijk hosted a visit from the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management, or CIVCOM, which is an advisory body within the European Union dealing with crisis management.

EU Naval Force Warship BNS LEOPOLD I Conducts Maritime Capacity Building with Tanzanian Navy

On 19 and 20 November, during her recent port visit to Dar Es Salam, EU Naval Force warship BNS Leopold I hosted members of the Tanzanian Navy in support of EUCAP Nestor’s initiative to conduct Local Maritime Capability Building (LMCB).

EU Naval Force Warship Invites Local Somali Leaders On Board

During the last week EU Naval Force warship, ESPS Navarra, invited local Somali leaders on board in order to help build relations between the EU Naval Force and the Somali people.

EU Naval Force Operation Commander and IMO Secretary-General Warn No Room for Complacency Against Somali Piracy

The Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Major General Martin Smith MBE, visited the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Koji Sekimizu, at the IMO headquarters in London on Wednesday 26 November.

Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft Contingents Hold Handover Ceremony As New Crew Takes On EU Counter Piracy Role Off Coast Of Somalia

On Tuesday 25 November the outgoing 20th Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft Contingent held a Transfer of Authority (TOA) ceremony with the 21st Contingent team to hand over their counter-piracy duties in the Horn of Africa. The ceremony took place at the French Air Base in Djibouti.