The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) launched its 2026 Multipurpose Maritime Operation in La Manche and the Southern North Sea on 11 May, beginning four months of coordinated activity in one of Europe’s most heavily trafficked maritime regions.

This is the third consecutive EMSA-led operation in the area and the most comprehensive edition to date. The Netherlands and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, are participating for the first time, alongside Belgium, France, the European Commission and the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA).

According to EMSA, 11 national authorities and three EU agencies will work together across nine coast guard functions and more than 30 operational use cases. Eight coordination centres will contribute assets and shared resources in response to identified operational requirements.

The operation covers La Manche, described by EMSA as the world’s busiest ocean shipping lane. Around 500 vessels subject to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea transit the area each day. The high volume of shipping, combined with the region’s strategic importance, operational complexity and environmental sensitivity, creates a need for sustained cooperation between national and EU bodies.

Support will include satellite-based oil spill detection through EMSA’s CleanSeaNet service and 80 days of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems operations. Surface and aerial capabilities will also be deployed, including an EFCA offshore patrol vessel and Frontex co-financed maritime and air-surveillance assets. Frontex standing corps personnel will participate in the operation.

Remotely operated vehicles will be used for underwater surveys, while analytical tools will assist the participating national authorities. Operational activities will be recorded through a live centralised dashboard, providing a shared view of the mission’s progress.

The national participants include maritime, environmental, fisheries, naval, transport inspection and law-enforcement bodies from Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Belgian participants include agencies responsible for maritime and coastal services, fisheries, environmental protection, shipping and maritime policing. France is represented by the Secretariat General for the Sea, the La Manche and North Sea Maritime Prefecture, the French Navy and the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Netherlands Coast Guard and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate are also involved.

EMSA said the operation is intended to strengthen links between authorities responsible for protecting Europe’s maritime space and to support sustained cooperation across national and institutional boundaries.