European Maritime Engagement in the Strait of Hormuz: A Simple Mission in a Complex Area

摘要

MSD: Concerning the situation in the Strait of Hormuz: What is your threat or risk assessment? Commodore C. Fjord-Larsen: The situation is relatively calm, and it appears that the various actors are acting professionally and within their normal operational pattern. But as we recently saw with the incident relating to MV HELIOS RAY, it is a complex area where incidents can happen at short or with no notice. Due to this complexity, assets from AGENOR are operating with a de-escalatory posture. Our measured naval presence is aimed at having a deterrent effect on any illegal activity that may place obstacles in the way of the free movement of shipping. Operation AGENOR aims to enhance maritime awareness and security in the region in full compliance with the UN's Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and with respect for the regions territorial waters and airspace. It is an operation with a "light footprint". We are not here to "fix the situation", nor establish sea control in the traditional sense of a maritime operation, but to provide assurance through a de-escalatory presence. But operating in this complex area, where minor incidents can escalate quickly, requires continuous surveillance. Consequently, monitoring maritime activities is a pre-requisite in order to have an up to date picture of what is happening and to detect any anomalies.