The NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (MARSEC COE), located in Istanbul, has been presented to the media, underscoring Türkiye’s expanding influence in maritime security within the Alliance. During the presentation, Capt Mehmet Cengiz Ekren, the Centre’s Director, discussed ongoing projects and hinted at forthcoming activities aimed at enhancing maritime security expertise.
Established as a national centre in Türkiye in 2012, MARSEC COE received NATO accreditation on June 8, 2020. Its mission is to become a recognized leader in maritime security, offering timely and innovative support to NATO and its partner nations. The Centre’s primary focus is on Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), engaging in activities like concept development, standardization, training, and analysis of lessons learned.
Operating within a multinational framework, Türkiye serves as the Framework Nation, with Greece, Portugal, and Romania as Sponsoring Nations. Azerbaijan contributes as a partner, with opportunities for further collaboration available. As maritime security evolves into a multifaceted concern for NATO members, addressing threats such as terrorism, piracy, and cyber risks has become increasingly vital, necessitating specialized expertise and cooperative strategies.
