EU Naval Missions to Monitor Underwater Infrastructure & Tackle Russian Shadow Fleet

Brussels – The European Union is expanding its naval operations in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, authorizing its existing missions, ASPIDES and ATALANTA, to gather intelligence on potential threats to critical underwater infrastructure. The move, confirmed by diplomatic sources, reflects growing concerns over the security of subsea cables and pipelines vital to global communications and energy supplies. This expansion of the EU’s maritime presence comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing disruptions to international shipping, particularly from attacks by Houthi militants.

The decision to broaden the scope of these missions – a key element of the EU’s evolving security strategy – isn’t solely focused on the immediate Red Sea crisis. While initially designed to protect commercial shipping, particularly against attacks from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, the EU is also increasingly focused on monitoring the activities of what officials describe as Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels used to circumvent sanctions. The expansion of operations to include underwater infrastructure surveillance represents a significant shift in focus, acknowledging the vulnerability of these essential assets.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure: A Novel Mandate

Operation ASPIDES, launched in February 2024, was specifically created to safeguard commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. According to the Council of the European Union, the mission aims to provide a secure maritime environment, allowing trade to continue despite the ongoing threat posed by the Houthis. The Houthis have repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks on ships they claim are linked to Israel, disrupting global trade routes and raising insurance costs. Operation ATALANTA, established in 2008, initially focused on combating piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean. Its mandate has evolved over time and now includes tasks such as monitoring maritime security and supporting regional capacity building.

The updated mandate now empowers vessels and aircraft participating in both ASPIDES and ATALANTA to actively collect information regarding suspicious activities related to underwater infrastructure. This includes monitoring for potential reconnaissance or sabotage attempts. Alongside this expanded surveillance role, the EU plans to enhance cooperation with regional partners, including training Djibouti’s naval forces and collaborating with the Yemeni Coast Guard. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the maritime security landscape.

Not Linked to US Calls for Protection of Hormuz Strait

Diplomatic sources have been keen to emphasize that this expansion of EU naval operations is not a direct response to recent calls from former US President Donald Trump for European allies to contribute more to protecting oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump, during a campaign rally, urged European nations to increase their financial and military contributions to safeguarding this vital waterway. Reuters reported on these remarks in March 2024.

Instead, EU officials state that the decision to enhance surveillance of underwater infrastructure and monitor the Russian shadow fleet was already under consideration prior to Trump’s statements. The focus on the shadow fleet is particularly significant, as these vessels are suspected of being used to smuggle Russian oil and other sanctioned goods, undermining international efforts to pressure Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. Identifying and tracking these vessels is a key priority for the EU, and the expanded mandate provides the necessary legal framework for doing so.

The Shadow Fleet and Sanctions Evasion

The “shadow fleet” consists of a large number of aging tankers that have been deliberately obscured from tracking systems, making it difficult to determine their ownership and cargo. These vessels often engage in ship-to-ship transfers at sea, a tactic used to disguise the origin and destination of illicit goods. The Financial Times has extensively reported on the growth and operations of this fleet, highlighting its role in facilitating Russia’s continued export of oil despite Western sanctions. By enhancing its surveillance capabilities, the EU hopes to disrupt these activities and strengthen the enforcement of sanctions.

Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building

The EU’s commitment to regional cooperation is a cornerstone of its maritime security strategy. The planned training of Djibouti’s naval forces and collaboration with the Yemeni Coast Guard are intended to bolster the capacity of these countries to protect their own waters and contribute to overall maritime security in the region. Djibouti’s strategic location on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, makes it a vital partner in efforts to counter piracy and terrorism. Yemen, despite being embroiled in a civil war, also plays a crucial role in maintaining security in the Red Sea.

The EU’s approach emphasizes a long-term commitment to building sustainable maritime security in the region, rather than simply deploying military assets. This includes providing technical assistance, training, and equipment to regional partners, as well as fostering cooperation on information sharing and joint patrols.

Looking ahead, the EU will continue to monitor the evolving security situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and adjust its operations as necessary. The next key development will be a review of the ASPIDES mission’s effectiveness, scheduled for later this year, which will inform any further adjustments to its mandate or scope. The EU remains committed to safeguarding freedom of navigation and protecting critical infrastructure in this vital region.

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