European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz

[1] The mission has 9 participating countries including Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and, with political support, Germany and Portugal.

This incident occurred near the Fujairah emirate, which contains one of the biggest bunkering hubs in the world, located close to the Strait of Hormuz.

The April 2021 EMASoH Information bulletin states that although the Strait of Hormuz cannot be blocked by a ship like in the Suez Canal, the mission is working to ensure a "Suez-effect" does not happen.

The statement notes that the incidents in the region "have been affecting the freedom of navigation and the security of European and non-European vessels and crews in the area for months.

"[16] The countries behind the statement worried for a broader conflict with more devastating global consequences and stressed the importance of the freedom of navigation and lowering the tensions in the region.

[16] The goal of the mission is to keep a low-profile and neutral position in the Strait of Hormuz with the intent of de-escalation and reducing tensions in the region.

[19] The purpose of the representative is to contribute to EMASoH's diplomacy pillar of de-escalation and increased maritime security in the region.

It has a goal to strengthen EMASoH countries' understanding in the area and ensure that ship traffic is free flowing.

[24] EMASoH gathers and analyzes the AIS data in the region to understand the flow of shipping traffic and patterns of life in the area.

This initiative primarily focuses on European (including Norway) flagged and/or country of financial benefit ships.

[25][26] Reassuring maritime merchant ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf region, and the Arabian Sea is one of the main activities of Operation AGENOR.

This includes accompanying merchant vessels while they are in the Strait of Hormuz, guidance of shipping with specialized officers as point of contact for merchant ships, EMASoH maneuver calls (EMMA calls), and surveillance using naval and aerial assets to assess the safety situation.

From August to December 2020, Denmark contributed by sending out frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt, a MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopter, and soldiers from the military police and maritime special forces.

Italy has contributed by sending staff members, having an Italian Force Commander lead EMASOH and through naval and aircraft assets.

Currently the Force Commander is Italian Navy Rear admiral Mauro Panebianco[39][40][41] The Netherlands supports EMASoH and AGENOR by providing staff members and naval and aircraft assets.

[43] Most GCC monarchies have a positive view of EMASoH and see it as a deterrent to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

[45] On 27 April 2023 and 3 May 2023 Iran seized two oil tankers named Advantage Sweet (Marshall Islands-flagged) and Niovi (Panama-flagged) in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz.

EMASoH-participating countries called for the release of the crews and ships saying the seizure puts the safety and freedom of navigation in this region at risk.