MADRID, Spain – The 17^th Industry Strategic Meeting (ISM) organised by European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and co-chaired by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) gathered in Madrid to discuss the current threats in the West Indian Ocean.

The two-day meeting brought together around 100 key stakeholders from across the maritime security spectrum, including representatives from the main maritime military operations and industry partners active in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

 A key objective of the meeting was to advance the collective strategic framework through enhanced coordination. Panels and presentations throughout the event focused on the current reality of maritime security in the region and what can be done to strengthen it.

“Open, honest and transparent dialogue is key in ensuring military and industry partners continue to work effectively together. The world is ever changing, and CMF remains steadfast in its mandate to uphold the rules based international order along with our partners present here at ISM.” Said Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander Combined Maritime Forces.

After some scene setting bythe main military operations in the region,the meeting focused on shaping the maritime security environment, a vision from an academic perspective, and the importance of cooperation in succeeding against piracy and its recent resurgence. Industry representatives provided their perspective on the latest developments, current situation of best management practices, and their shared assessment on how to enhance the current maritime security architecture in the region.

During the second day, discussions revolved around information sharing where panels with various agents operating in the region provided their state of play and potential improvements.

“I am very proud of the work we have done together to contribute to ensuring the transit at sea. The Industry Strategic Meeting …will continue to grow in importance, and we are ready to step forward in our commitment to the shipping industry sector.” said Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, Operation Commander for European Naval Force Operation ATALANTA.

The ISM is the perfect forum for participants from the global shipping industry to meet maritime military operators and maritime information and security centre representatives, such as the Maritime Security Centre Indian Ocean (MSCIO), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO), and the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC). 

CMF, headquartered in Bahrain alongside U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. Comprising 47 nations, CMF promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, supporting the rules based international order and safeguarding global maritime commerce.