As part of the Italian Navy’s “Safe Mediterranean” Operation, a new exercise took place off the island of Rhodes (Greece) on 24 March.
Among the protagonists was the Grimaldi Group vessel Grande Ellade, where the discovery of a suspicious cargo was simulated.
Having been informed of this possible irregular transport, the Navy sent its frigate Bergamini – the flagship of the “Safe Mediterranean” Operation – to conduct an inspection on the high seas. The frigate reached the Grande Ellade and informed her Master that it was going to send a team from the San Marco Brigade on board for an inspection operation aimed at verifying the conformity of the cargo and the related documents. Having made sure that everything was in order, the team left the merchant vessel, which was able to resume sailing without delay.
The drill was aimed at monitoring cargo shipping and ascertaining and combating illicit activities at sea involving the use of Italian merchant vessels. Once again, it highlighted the high level of training and preparation of all the civilian and military personnel involved, confirming the consolidated, effective and fruitful collaboration between the Italian Navy, the Grimaldi Group and Confitarma (Italian Shipowners’ Confederation), which is more important than ever in the current general context of international instability, with repercussions also on maritime communication routes.
(Grimaldi)
