For the first time, NATO has chosen to locate one group of participants in one of their exercises to the Port of Trelleborg. There are 12 soldiers working on the concept NCAGS (Naval Cooperation And Guidance Shipping), who will be in the port for two weeks.
Thomas Kaup, Lieutenant, DEU Navy, and Christophe Schotte, SGT MAJ, BEL Airforce
In order to both reduce conflict of interest between military and merchant shipping, and to enhance safety and security at sea, NATO developed and implemented the concept of NCAGS. NCAGS provides the interface between military operations and merchant shipping. This interface involves the provision of military cooperation, guidance, advice, assistance and enhanced safety to merchant shipping. The NCAGS capability is employed to enhance the safety of participating merchant ships in the operations area while supporting military objectives.
In order to have exercises to be as realistic as possible, they have to prepare for all kinds of situations that may arise during a military operation. Here in the Port of Trelleborg they will mainly focus on artificial exercises and making port assessments and explore pattern of life, but also discuss how to improve logistics, increase cooperation with various parties, inform local authorities, etc.
Michael van Engelen, Commander, DEU Navy
Why have they chosen the Port of Trelleborg? It is Denmark, which is in charge this year for this type of exercises and Port of Trelleborg was selected since it is a main port, great centrally located and we could offer them good working space. NATO usually has similar exercises 6-8 times per year. Next year it is Sweden that stands as a host country and possibly it may be that exercises will take place in Trelleborg as well.