Wrap-up of Multipurpose Maritime Operation Baltic Sea 2024: enhancing maritime security and cooperation

The 2024 Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO) Baltic Sea, led by Frontex in cooperation with EFCA and EMSA, was concluded successfully on 30 October. Over the course of nearly three months, the MMO provided operational and technical assistance to national authorities in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania, with Poland as a participating Member State. The operation aimed to bolster maritime security and support Coast Guard functions in areas such as border control, maritime safety, environmental protection, fisheries control and countering illegal activities.

The MMO Baltic Sea exemplifies a collaborative approach, bringing together expertise and resources from Frontex, EFCA, and EMSA. The operation focused on tackling key areas like maritime monitoring, ship casualty response, search and rescue, illegal fishing and anti-smuggling efforts. Together, the agencies coordinated 230 patrol activities and 47 RPAS missions, conducted more than 430 sightings, performed around 135 hailing and 30 boarding operations, and utilized 12 maritime assets for a total of more than 2,650 running hours on the Baltic Sea.

Collaborative coast guard exercise

One of the highlights of this year's operation was a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise organized by Frontex and the Finnish Border Guard. Participants included Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, who tested SAR protocols, information exchange methods, and capabilities of the border guard vessels involved. This exercise showcased the shared commitment of the agencies and national authorities to enhancing emergency response coordination in the Baltic Sea region.

Key Achievements and Figures

• 15 Frontex personnel were deployed as part of the operational plan
• 12 maritime assets were involved, contributing to intensive patrol and monitoring
• 230 joint patrols with national authorities and Frontex Standing Corps, supporting maritime security efforts across the region
• The operation led to around 435 sightings, 135 vessel hailings, 116 fishing vessels inspected,30 boardings,
• More than 220 Earth Observation images delivered as services by EMSA
• 47 flights with Remotely Piloted Airborne Systems (RPAS)

Closing event in Finland

On 30 October, the operation's achievements and insights were reviewed during a closing event held in Turku, Finland. Representatives from participating national authorities, Frontex, EFCA, and EMSA gathered to discuss operational outcomes and reflect on lessons learned to inform future collaboration in the region. The MMO Baltic Sea demonstrated the growing effectiveness of integrated Coast Guard functions, setting a standard for joint operations under the Tripartite Working Arrangement framework.

Strengthening cooperation in the Baltic Sea

The completion of the MMO Baltic Sea underscores the success of a multi-agency approach in securing EU waters and is an example of the support provided to Member States through the EU Cooperation on Coast Guard Functions https://coastguard.europa.eu/.By combining resources and expertise, Frontex, EFCA, and EMSA strengthened regional cooperation, effectively supporting the fight against cross-border crime and ensuring safe, secure waters in the Baltic Sea. Frontex remains committed to fostering collaboration, enhancing maritime capabilities, and working alongside EU agencies and national authorities to safeguard Europe's maritime borders.