Three patrol vessels commissioned for EFCA
,The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) has chartered Ttree patrol vessels under the Portuguese flag to work in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Owned by Sentinel Marine Netherlands, the vessels were built by Cosco Dalian Shipyard in China, Ocean Guardian and Ocean Sentinel in 2018 and Ocean Protector in 2020.
Each vessel is 86 metres long and they are all Multi-Role Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRVs).
THe EU says the vessels have been chartered in answer to a mandate from EU institutions to strengthen the EFCA’s operational capacity for assisting member states in monitoring, controlling and surveillance of fisheries as is required by the Common Agricultural Policy.
Following a public call for tenders, Sentinel Marine was given a 24-month contract to operate the boats, which will also support coast guard functions and provide maritime surveillance and pollution response.
“Today is an important milestone in the history of the Agency. The chartering of three inspection platforms marks a turning point and materializes our strong commitment to support Member States authorities and the European Commission promoting compliance with the fisheries rules, as well as contributing for safe, secure and sustainable sea ” said Susan Steele, EFCA Executive Director. “The vessels´ modern facilities and technologies ensure a safe and comfortable stay onboard. Their deployment could be seen as a specific oceans safeguarding measure which enhances the EU capacity to improve the effectiveness of fisheries control operations in the EU and beyond.”
