Maritime security news in Portugal

Houthis commit to not attacking European ships in the Red Sea

The Houthi rebels, who control a large part of Yemeni territory as well as the Bab el-Mandeb strait in the Red Sea, have committed to not attacking European ships, the Financial Times (FT) reported today.

Houthis commit to not attacking European ships

The commitment was made on the same day the rebels took control of the port of Moka. The Houthis made a similar promise to the United States, which has refused to intervene militarily.

Maritime Police inspectors and chiefs denounce lack of resources in the fight against drug trafficking

The Association of Maritime Police Inspectors and Chiefs denounced today the “institutional suffocation” of this police force due to a lack of personnel and vessels, and advocated for a “shared tactical” organization with the PJ in the fight against drug trafficking.

We must integrate robotic assets into the Navy to control our maritime space

The Portuguese Navy is accelerating the incorporation of new technologies to respond to a maritime space that is increasingly difficult to control with conventional assets alone. This is one of the main objectives of REPMUS, an international experimentation exercise that brings together more than 30 allied navies, companies, universities, and research centres in Portugal to...

Maritime Police have already seized more 'narco-boats' than in 2025

18 high-speed vessels seized as of yesterday, compared to 14 last year. Criminal networks are taking advantage of the good weather to increase drug shipments.

European Parliament calls for stronger action against drug trafficking in European waters

The European Parliament approved a resolution this Thursday, September 17, calling for a more coordinated EU response to maritime drug trafficking, including increased cooperation between member states and enhanced port security. The text, passed with 601 votes in favour, four against, and five abstentions, advocates for more funding, equipment, and personnel for security forces. MEPs also want frontline agents to be classified as high-risk professionals. Portuguese MEP Ana Pedro, from the CDS, was one of the resolution's negotiators. She told Lusa that if organised crime operates as a network, Europe must do the same, arguing for a response capable of matching the resources and adaptability of criminal organisations. The resolution also proposes stricter measures against money laundering and mechanisms to freeze and confiscate assets from trafficking networks. Furthermore, the text calls for greater cooperation with West Africa, a key transit route, and with China regarding the control of substances used in the production of synthetic drugs.

Maritime Police rescue 39 people in the Greek sea

38 men and one woman were saved without the need for medical assistance. Portugal is part of a European border surveillance mission coordinated by Frontex.

EU intercepts ship suspected of belonging to Russian shadow fleet

The EU's top diplomat indicated this Monday that a European naval operation in the Mediterranean intercepted another ship on Sunday suspected of belonging to the so-called Russian shadow fleet. Kaja Kallas wrote in a social media post that illegal sales of Russian oil through the shadow fleet represent a 'crucial source of funding...'

Navy begins robotics and drone exercise this Monday

Until September 25, the cities of Troia and Sesimbra will host an exercise involving over 1,500 participants, more than 60 R&D companies, 13 universities, and five NATO entities.

Portugal gathers 36 navies to test unmanned systems in an operational environment

Portugal is hosting an international exercise involving 36 navies to evaluate the performance and integration of unmanned systems in real-world operational conditions.

The Support of Frigates in the Atlantic

It is justified to equip Praia da Vitória with a Naval Support Point.

Maritime Police seize speedboat adrift off the coast of Oeiras

It was unmanned and had all four engines running

Portugal and Putin's ghost fleet

When looking at the map, the war in Ukraine seems far away, but Vladimir Putin's recent threats regarding the seizure of Russian 'ghost fleet' vessels bring the conflict closer to home. This network of aging, opaquely owned ships is used to bypass sanctions and fund Russia's war economy. Putin has threatened to retaliate by seizing European commercial vessels globally, posing significant environmental, infrastructure, and maritime security risks to Portugal. Given its strategic location and vast maritime territory, Portugal must increase surveillance and cooperation with allies to address these threats, as the confrontation resulting from the war in Ukraine now extends to the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

Portugal will strengthen its maritime surveillance using drones similar to those used by Ukraine

UA.NEWS12 Aug

Portugal boosts maritime surveillance with Portuguese-made long-range drones

Euronews.com12 Aug

Portugal Adopts Tekever AR5 For Maritime Patrol

Aviation Week11 Aug

Maritime Police and Navy reinforce border control in the Algarve following the arrival of Moroccan migrants in Ceuta

These actions aim to detect vessels that may be linked to irregular migration phenomena or other illicit activities.

Sailor dies in Romania after Russian attack on Gas Lisbon tanker

The New Voice of Ukraine23 Jul

Seguro is the new Patron of the Ocean Decade

António José Seguro says he takes on the role “with an increased sense of responsibility”, admitting that maritime security is an essential area for cooperation.

LPG Tanker Strike off Romania Moves Black Sea War Risk Towards NATO Waters

EU Today21 Jul

The Reinforcement of Military Assets in the Azores and Madeira

The capabilities of the Armed Forces General Staff, the Navy, the Army, and the Air Force must be modular.

Portugal and 11 other countries commit to strengthening the Alliance's maritime security

Countries have reinforced their commitment to assume “greater maritime responsibility”.

NATO/Summit: Portugal and 11 other countries commit to strengthening the Alliance's maritime security

Portugal joins 11 other nations in a pledge to bolster maritime security measures within the NATO framework.

Montenegro highlights the importance of maritime security for Portugal at the NATO Summit

The NATO Summit concludes this Wednesday in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Portugal has launched three more satellites into space

The number of satellites from the Lusíada constellation in Earth's orbit now rises to eight, with three more satellites joining Lusospace's global maritime communication and security project.

European navies tighten the net on the Russian shadow fleet

Operations to stop the oil tankers helping Moscow evade sanctions are increasing in intensity. Russia is militarising its ships, risking an escalation in tension.

Maritime Police to deploy Portuguese-made drones to patrol national waters

Portugal’s Maritime Police will soon be using Portuguese-built autonomous drones to help monitor the country’s coastline and maritime territory after technology company Tekever secured its first contract with the National The post Maritime Police to deploy Portuguese-made drones to patrol national waters appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Maritime Police pursue and intercept high-speed boat in the Algarve. Four people arrested

The Maritime Police pursued and intercepted a high-speed boat in the early hours of Monday, June 22, during a joint maritime patrol operation in the Vila Real de Santo António and Tavira area, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) announced. Approximately 4,000 litres of fuel were found on board. Four individuals of Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilian, and Venezuelan nationality were arrested. During the pursuit, authorities intercepted the vessel, discovering fuel and equipment typically associated with logistical support for drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime. The boat and fuel were seized, and criminal investigations are ongoing. The government has banned high-speed boats between 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM to combat drug trafficking, following a separate incident where seven people were arrested and two high-speed boats were seized after a pursuit in the Algarve.