Monitoring and research missions in the Black Sea

Four naval vessels that are part of the Black Sea Task Force to combat sea mines have started their monitoring and research missions, and made a stopover in the port of Constanta.

The group involving the naval forces of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey was activated on July 1 for the next three years.

The main aim of the MCM Black Sea is to eliminate mines from the northern Black Sea and ensure freedom of navigation.

The group is made up of four ships and more than 300 military personnel, and the command of the group rotates every six months between the three countries, starting with Turkey, which is now in command.

The Romanian Naval Forces are taking part with the Maritime Destroyer 30 "Sublocotenent Alexandru Axente" and 74 soldiers.

Commander Marian Ciobotaru, deputy fleet commander: Many of the mines, depending on the current in the Black Sea, have reached very close to the shore, some of them even on the access pass to the Port of Constanta. Therefore, the efforts are continuous, not only during these activations. Even at this very moment, the Romanian Naval Forces are carrying out systematic searches on the shipping lanes to ensure traffic safety. The joint operation of the three countries streamlines this effort over a long period of time.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, 103 sea mines have been neutralized.

Translated by: Radu Matei