Similar situations may be faced by any oil company worldwide; therefore, preparedness for a wide range of scenarios is essential. With this objective in mind, a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) was organised by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) together with PTT Public Company Limited (PTT), a Thai state-owned, SET-listed petroleum and natural gas company, with the support of the EU CRIMARIO project.

The objective of the Tabletop Exercise was to develop and validate coordination procedures that enhance strategic understanding and effectiveness of coordination and control mechanisms for commercial vessels between the Royal Thai Navy and PTT Public Company Limited. At a broader level, the exercise aimed to reinforce structured cooperation with ship-owning companies and commercial shipping stakeholders, strengthening civil–military partnerships to ensure the security and resilience of maritime routes supporting international trade.

The exercise focused on testing coordination and information exchange between RTN and PTT during the passage of commercial vessels—particularly those carrying highly sensitive cargo such as crude oil—through high-risk areas.

More specifically, participants were requested to practise, via the IORIS platform, exchanging communication between the two institutions aimed at accompanying and protecting PTT vessels using RTN assets.

As both organisations had received training on IORIS in the days preceding the exercise, the platform proved to be particularly well suited for supporting the scenario and meeting the exercise objectives.

At the end of the exercise, during the debriefing session, participants shared feedback on the effectiveness of the platform. As reported by Captain Panuphun Rakkeo, Head of Maritime Law Enforcement Division, Royal Thai Navy:
“Due to its specific capabilities, IORIS helped partners create a very clear and useful common operational picture, which enabled participants to have a shared understanding of the situation at sea, particularly concerning the positioning of the vessels and of their possible future actions.”

He further added:
“Designed to mainly support information exchange and coordination between partners, IORIS played a key role in the exercise by enabling participants to inform each other on their intentions, actions and results of their actions. The constant information exchange between participants enabled a open and constructive collaboration which increased the level of trust and confidence between the two organizations. The use of IORIS was very beneficial particularly in enabling the establishment of a common operational picture accessible at any moment for all actors and in facilitating the testing and improvement of the existing dedicated SOP.”

Commenting on the exercise, Alexandru Chiric Southeast Asia representative of the EU CRIMARIO project stated:

“It has been a real pleasure to support and organise an activity of this quality. The high level of competence, professionalism and engagement demonstrated by all participants clearly showed the value of regular joint exercises. Scenarios such as this one highlight how, even in high-risk maritime areas, improved coordination and information sharing can help prevent incidents and reduce risks. We were particularly pleased to see IORIS perform as expected, effectively supporting decision-making and cooperation throughout the exercise.”

Following the success of the TTX, a live exercise may be organised in the coming months, again making use of the IORIS platform to further test procedures and operational coordination in real-time conditions.

This exercise highlighted the critical importance of preparedness, coordination, and information sharing when navigating high-risk maritime areas. In an increasingly complex maritime security environment, effective collaboration between military authorities and the civilian sector—supported by reliable digital tools such as IORIS—remains essential to mitigating risks, protecting critical cargoes, and preventing incidents with potentially severe economic and environmental consequences.

L’article Safeguarding maritime routes through cooperation: The Royal Thai Navy, PTT Public Company Limited and the EU CRIMARIO project strengthen coordination in high-risk areas est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

This year’s edition brought together an impressive group of stakeholders:

• Chile Navy
• Peru Coast Guard & El Callao UCC (including Customs, National Police Anti-Narcotics, Prosecutors, and the Port Authority)
• Ecuador Navy, Ecuador Coast Guard, and Galapagos National Park
• Colombian Navy and Colombian National Police Anti-Narcotics
• Panama Aeronaval Service (SENAN)
• Observers from the Colombian Coast Guard and Dirección General Marítima (DIMAR)

Over the five-day period, participating agencies engaged in the simulation of complex, real-world maritime scenarios, including Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and anti-narcotics operations. These scenarios were specifically designed to test and refine coordination between civilian and military actors, as well as across national borders.

Supporting Real-World Readiness Through Simulation

A key feature of the SEGMAREX exercise was the integration of advanced simulation technology, which enabled participants to rehearse decision-making and operational coordination in a safe but realistic environment. Simulators allowed for the practice of high-risk scenarios, encouraging collaboration while minimising cost and risk.

Simulation-based training also served as a platform for testing and refining interagency SOPs, allowing teams to explore how their national procedures align with regional approaches. This is particularly critical in the context of transnational maritime threats, where seamless cooperation and shared protocols are essential for rapid and effective responses.

Building a Cohesive Regional Maritime Network

SEGMAREX is part of CRIMARIO’s ongoing commitment to supporting regional maritime capacity building across Latin America and other strategically important regions. Through such exercises, CRIMARIO aims to:

• Foster interagency trust and communication. 
• Promote interoperability and the harmonisation of procedures.
• Strengthen the regional ability to respond to maritime security threats such as trafficking, illegal fishing, and maritime emergencies.

The outcomes of SEGMAREX were positive, with participants actively contributing to post-exercise debriefs and expressing interest in deeper future collaboration and more frequent joint training initiatives.

We extend our warmest thanks to all the agencies and individuals who took part, and we look forward to continuing this journey together towards safer, more secure, and better-connected maritime spaces across Latin America.

L’article SEGMAREX Exercise: A step forward in maritime safety and security est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

Real-world challenges, practical scenarios

SEAPART25 was designed to simulate pressing maritime safety and security challenges common to the region. These included:

• Combating the illegal trafficking of drugs and people
• Responding to maritime oil pollution incidents
• Conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations following vessel collisions

Each scenario offered participants the opportunity to apply and test their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in real-time, high-pressure conditions while coordinating with multiple agencies across borders.

At the core of SEAPART25 was IORIS, which enabled seamless real-time data sharing, operational synchronisation, and decision-making support throughout the exercise.

This exercise served to highlight the importance of cross-agency collaboration in conducting humanitarian operations and optimising asset utilisation during coordinated maritime safety and security missions.

Participants used the platform to:

• Maintain situational awareness through the live operational map
• Coordinate multi-agency responses using secure communications
• Simulate complex incidents and log decisions for review
• Foster transparency and a shared understanding of maritime activities

As Preeyaphat Kongthaworn, Analyst at THAI-MECC, highlighted:

“IORIS is an invaluable tool that significantly enhances coordination at sea, not just between national authorities, but also at the regional level. By providing a unified platform for sharing real-time information, it ensures that various stakeholders—from local authorities to regional partners—can collaborate efficiently and respond effectively to maritime challenges.”

Key outcomes and strategic benefits

SEAPART25 brought together professionals from diverse sectors—navies, coast guards, law enforcement, search and rescue, environmental authorities, and maritime regulators. By working closely together in a dynamic, scenario-based environment, agencies were able to:

• Improve communication and interoperability
• Refine decision-making in crisis conditions
• Align national SOPs with regional standards
• Exchange best practices for joint operations
• Build trust and mutual understanding among operational partners

Looking ahead

This inaugural edition of the Sea Partnership exercise underscores the growing importance of technology-driven, cross-border cooperation in Southeast Asia. As maritime threats evolve and become more complex, continued collaboration and joint training will be critical to safeguarding lives, maritime commerce, and regional stability.

We extend our sincere thanks to all agencies, experts, and supporting teams who contributed to the success of SEAPART25. Your dedication and cooperation are helping to shape a more secure, responsive, and united maritime region.

L’article Sea Partnership 2025: advancing maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

Both trainers are highly motivated to help the Somaliland Coast Guard strengthen its role in regional maritime security through this intensive program.

The day began with opening remarks from Kenneth Neijnes, who underscored the growing challenges in the Gulf of Aden, which has become more problematic in recent years. He stressed the urgent need for countries and maritime organizations in the region to collaborate more closely.

“Only by sharing information on maritime security can we reverse this negative trend,” Neijnes remarked. He also highlighted the help the CRIMARIO  project can bring to the region and how the IORIS platform, which is currently utilized by over 100 maritime organizations in more than 50 countries can be useful in the area. The platform, he noted, is vital not only for security but also for Search and Rescue operations, saving lives at sea.

Lt. Colonel Khadar Isse, Head of International Relations, emphasized the importance of mutual support in building competence. He pointed out that stronger participants must assist those with less experience to ensure no one is left behind. Lt. Colonel Isse stressed that it is essential for the Somaliland Coast Guard to gain a thorough understanding of the IORIS system in order to manage maritime operations effectively and coordinate with organizations beyond Somaliland’s borders.

Colonel Abdirahman Nour, Head of Operations, elaborated on how the IORIS system could greatly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to access critical information from other maritime organizations and engage in professional, secure collaboration.

Poul Severinsen, Head of EUCAP Field Office Somaliland, spoke about the significant advancements the Somaliland Coast Guard is currently experiencing. These include the construction of a new command centre and communication tower in Berbera, supported by EUCAP. He also touched on ongoing efforts to boost Maritime Domain Awareness, enhance cooperation, and improve information-sharing practices. The collective message from all the speakers was clear: Together we are stronger.

This collaborative effort aims to build a safer and more secure maritime environment for everyone in the Gulf of Aden.

L’article Refresh Training Began in Hargeisa for the Somaliland Coast Guard est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

On the German side, personnel from the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the combat support ship FRANKFURT AM MAIN were involved.

The exercise aimed to improve cooperation on building up un enhanced MDA, strengthening relationships between the two countries.

Additionally, the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the combat support ship Frankfurt am Main are set to make a port call in Manila.
The visit emphasizes the importance of defence cooperation between Germany and the Philippines, underscoring the significance of the Indo-Pacific region for Germany, the world’s third-largest exporter.
This activity is part of the Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD 24), a key German defence diplomacy initiative demonstrating Germany’s commitment to free and secure shipping lanes, a rules-based international order, and greater maritime security cooperation.
For seven months, from May to December, Germany’s naval forces will navigate globally with a task group consisting of the frigate Baden-Württemberg and the replenishment ship Frankfurt am Main.

To learn more about Germany’s Indo-Pacific Strategy https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/regionaleschwerpunkte/asien/german-government-policy-guidelines-indo-pacific/2380510

L’article German and Philippine organisations and entities train together for safer Indo-Pacific seas est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

Organized and took place in Palawan, the exercise saw the participation of 22 agencies from the Philippines; it aimed to test and enhance the interoperability among national and local agencies and demonstrate their capability to coordinate and render support in identifying and fighting maritime threats.

During the two days, agencies’ personnel operated together in a simulated and real environment to address and solve a complex situation involving ships suspected of illegal drug trafficking, illegal transport of endangered species, IUU fishing, and Search and Rescue around Puerto Princesa.

To facilitate communication, coordination, and cooperation among operational centers and assets at sea, participating agencies used IORIS, the Indo-Pacific Information Sharing Platform, a neutral, secured, and reliable tool, designed to enable inter-agency communication and coordination between domestic and international stakeholders to address the evolving and complex challenges within the maritime domain.

The successful conclusion of the exercise highlighted lessons learned and techniques that will improve the already good level of joint response to real-world complex maritime emergencies. At the same time, IORIS proved to be a reliable communications platform for interagency planning and coordination at the national level, facilitating the gathering, analysis, and exchange of information to timely and efficiently support decision-making and actions at sea.

Participating in the event, Luc Veron, EU Ambassador to the Philippines stated: “The Philippines’ embrace of IORIS underscores the country’s deep understanding of the importance of the maritime domain. As the first Southeast Asian nation to adopt IORIS nationally, the Philippines, through the leadership of the NCWC, Coast Guard, Navy, and other authorities, demonstrates its commitment to collaboratively addressing the complex challenges of today’s maritime environment.

This exercise is a testament to the Philippines’ dedication to enhancing maritime safety and security at the national level. By leveraging IORIS, it fosters inter-agency cooperation between maritime and relevant agencies.”

The Guest of Honor, the first Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns, Secretary Andres C. Centino on his message emphasized: “With expanded functions, the National Maritime Center will now work with more support agencies, continue to coordinate and collaborate with partners, including our foreign allies, ensuring that we are fully capable of being aware of the maritime situation within our archipelago.”

In his closing message, CG VADM Roy A. Echeverria, Director of NM Center underlined: ““I commend each and every participant of this Interagency Exercise ALALAYAN 2024. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone for we had a resounding success of our Table-Top Exercise, Command Post Exercise, and Field Training Exercise. Your support and participation in this Interagency Exercise is a declaration of your commitment and unwavering efforts to promote a whole-of-government approach to enhancing maritime governance in the country. This activity has indeed demonstrated everyone’s expertise and collective contributions in achieving our objectives and furthering our shared goal of enhancing maritime security.”

Martin Cauchi-Inglott, CRIMARIO project director concluded: “The Philippines has been at the forefront of welcoming IORIS to the region and is now set to lead the way in taking ownership of IORIS, using it internally, and bridge to external partners whenever necessary. My hearty congratulations go to these most professional maritime agencies participating in the exercises in the past days and to the NMC for organizing and playing an essential role in conducting it”.

L’article Philippine agencies exercise together to consolidate coordination using IORIS est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

Co-organised by CRIMARIO and the Indian Ocean Commission, the exercise was designed to be a dynamic and engaging simulation, to test and improve the regional maritime operational capabilities of the Indian Ocean region. Through detailed preparation, robust communication protocols, and strict adherence to legal frameworks, the exercise aimed to foster a cooperative environment that enhanced the response to maritime security threats.

During the exercise participants shared information on #IORIS, a communications platform for interagency planning and coordination at the national and regional level, which facilitates the gathering, analysis, and exchange of information to timely and efficiently support decision-making and actions at sea.

The exercise scenario focused on locating and identifying ships involved in the transportation of narcotics, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing, Search and Rescue and how to respond to these challenges (i.e., interdiction, interception, handover, legal finish, etc.) and coordinate operations at sea, in the framework of the IOC regional agreements.

The TTX helped participants to practice the law of the sea, including article 17 of the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

Moreover, they trained about interagency coordinated responses at national and regional level, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures in a controlled, simulated environment.

In the words of Martin Cauchi Inglott: “Essential in our line of business is the ability to communicate and coordinate effectively, so that we can conduct effective and efficient missions and operations, and this is precisely what the exercise targeted. A total of 11 scenarios were played in this exercise, over 2.5 days addressing the three main themes: people, drugs and IUU. I would like to congratulate all the agencies participating in the exercises for playing an essential role in it”.

In his closing remarks Raj Mohabeer, Indian Ocean Commission, underlined: “These exercises are extremely important to enhance cooperation among national and regional centres. I would like to thank all participating countries, the RMIFC, the RCOC, and EU CRIMARIO project for the good cooperation and for the success of this exercise which will contribute to strengthen maritime security in the region”.

L’article BALINN24: working together to enhance regional coordination and information sharing for safer and more secure seas est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

Moreover, some officials learned how to execute more advanced functions such as importing data from other sources, creating layered image overlays to build a common picture, and providing statistics concerning the areas they manage.

Field officers from EUCAP participated in the training too, and will support the local Coast Guard on site, to the benefit of involved parties.

Lt Col. Khadar M. Isse, participating in the training sessions, highlighted the role IORIS can play in supporting regional cooperation: “ Since the Somaliland Coast Guard is the only maritime law enforcement agency in Somaliland, the IORIS system will help us to share information with our neighbouring countries; using it we can get reliable information and participate in joint maritime operations in the region, as we can get and share information with other agencies working in the neighbourhood country.

Similarly, IORIS will help us better implement our daily work. The system facilitates coordination and communication among assets by sharing secure information from the various Coast Guard Sectors when needed.”

Closing the training, Admiral Ahmad Hure Harriye signed the IORIS Partnership Agreement on behalf of the Somaliland Coast Guard, which became an official user of IORIS, joining the IORIS community, which comprises more than 55 agencies from over 25 States in the Indo-Pacific.

During his speech, Admiral Harriye pointed out the need for starting information sharing and cooperation in the Gulf of Aden, especially since there are several criminals and terrorist that takes advantage of the lack of Maritime Domain Awareness in The Gulf of Aden. “Thank you, CRIMARIO, for providing the training and allowing the Somaliland Coast Guard access to the Indian Ocean HUB with all the other countries in the Indian Ocean. Together we are stronger!”.

CRIMARIO congratulated all trainees and confirmed it will stand ready to support Somaliland Coast Guards in the future.

L’article Somaliland Coast Guards join the IORIS community est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

The exercise focused on addressing complex situation involving ships suspected of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing around Salinas and the Galapagos Islands.

The exercise involved some 700 sailors and observers from multiple participating countries, including vessels from the United States and Peru. It included maritime interdiction manoeuvres, management of rules of engagement (ROE), rules of use of force (RUF), Command and Control, using the ORION System developed by the Ecuadorian Naval Shipyards (ASTINAVE).

The exercise included maritime security, law enforcement and crisis management activities, training the Multinational Task Force to strengthen interoperability, communication protocols and capabilities between multinational forces.

To facilitate the coordination and exchange of information at sea, participating agencies used IORIS, the Indo-Pacific Information Sharing Platform.

The successful conclusion of the exercise demonstrated the willingness and commitment of participating agencies and governmental bodies to ensure for maritime safety and security and to improve the joint response to real-world emergencies in today’s complex world. At the same time, IORIS proved to be a reliable communications platform for interagency planning and coordination at the national level, facilitating exchange of information, to respond in a timely and effective manner to complex maritime incidents.

During their speeches, Division General-SP Luis Lara Jaramillo, Minister of National Defence and Rear Admiral Óscar Noboa Estrella, Commander of Naval Operations, underlined the importance of international cooperation to neutralise possible maritime threats: “It is important to mention that without information exchange and planning there cannot be a safe sea. For the Ecuadorian Navy, achieving this requires Naval Power since more than 80% of the commercial exchange in the world is carried out by sea.”

Martin Inglott Cauchi, CRIMARIO project director, stated that: “We appreciate the cooperation that is being strengthened between the Ecuadorian Navy and the EU-funded project CRIMARIO II. Through the exercise, we saw IORIS supporting live exercises with assets at sea also plugging into the system, for the secure exchange of information exchange and operational coordination; through our collective efforts, we can address maritime challenges together. Thanks go to the Ecuador Navy for trusting CRIMARIO and agreeing to join and fortify the IORIS Community.”

Charles-Michel Geurts, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Ecuador, participated in the event and said: “In today’s challenging maritime environment, good cooperation between the relevant government agencies is key. Ecuador and the EU work together to increase maritime security cooperation, and projects such as CRIMARIO are instrumental in this regard. exercises like this one are extremely useful in building the necessary coordination capacity, and IORIS has proven to be a valuable collaborative tool.”

L’article GALAPEX 2023: working together to address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing est apparu en premier sur Ioris.

During the exercise, which involved personals from both countries, different scenarios were implemented, from search and rescue, to fighting maritime pollution, illicit drug trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU).

IORIS was the tool used to share information among the different participating agencies.

In the words of Lieutenant Commander Miguel Navarro, Deputy Chief of the Information Fusion Centre for Latin America, Lima: “Today we conclude the first regional exercise for Latin America using the IORIS platform, through which we have been able to exchange real time information both at national and international level. The interagency coordination of the national Captaincies of different offices of the Coast Guard Command and different actors and Coast Guard units has been strengthened using the platform; moreover, we maintained a continuous and uninterrupted exchange of information through IORIS with our colleagues from the Ecuadorean Navy. I’d like to thank Diego Ron, representative CRIMARIO II project and IORIS for his constant presence and support. He has been able to provide us with his knowledge and help during today exercise, which gave excellent results of operations. I’d also like to thank the Ecuadorean Navy for its participation and dedication and professionalism during the exercise. “

Lieutenant Shunji Osawa, from the Ecuadorian Navy added: “The REGEX exercise for Latin America has been carried out in a thorough way, thanks to the exchange of information between the Peruvian Navy and the Ecuadorian Navy (…) dealing with maritime emergencies such as search and rescue (SAR), maritime pollution, illicit drug trafficking and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing (IUU) by Ecuador and Peru. IORIS facilitated the exchange of information, which was the main benefit provided by the platform during the development of the Exercise.”

L’article Latin America Regional Exercise: IORIS used to exchange information among participants est apparu en premier sur Ioris.