Mission and objectives

CRIMARIO, the European Union’s Critical Maritime Routes maritime capacity-building project, has officially entered its third phase, further deepening its support to countries across the Indo-Pacific, whilst now also expanding its reach to Central and all Latin America, even in the Atlantic Ocean, and to potentially include some Caribbean countries.

First launched in 2015, to support maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, CRIMARIO has since fostered interagency communications and coordination, and promoting regional dialogue in response to increasing maritime threats and safety challenges, also addressing Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

EU CRIMARIO supports partners streamline information-sharing mechanisms through IORIS, the information exchange tool that it administers; and offers networking opportunities thereby enhancing cooperation, communication, and coordination, among national and regional stakeholders—enabling faster and more effective maritime operations.

In doing so, it contributes to global maritime stability by promoting safer and more secure sea lines of communication, more resilient ports, and sustainable fisheries—all critical foundations for economic growth and international trade.

The project’s activities are strategically designed to support both civilian administrations and military organisations, including regional and national Maritime Operations Centres, with a key focus in strengthening partner countries’ capacities to share maritime information within and across national borders.

This is primarily achieved through tailor-made training programmes that build critical skills in maritime domain awareness, interagency coordination, and collaborative responses to thematic threats. By equipping operators with IORIS, the project enhances early-warning capabilities and supports proactive risk management.

CRIMARIO also continues to implement a robust maritime exercise programme, engaging national and regional organisations in realistic operational scenarios to test procedures, identify capability gaps, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs). This fosters familiarity and trust among cross-border stakeholders—an essential element for effective joint maritime operations.

Another key activity the project intends to organise is a series of country-specific thematic workshops, delivered through an interagency approach and involving both policymakers and practitioners. These workshops will address topics such as counter-narcotics, maritime law enforcement and legal finish, maritime safety, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), shipping industry practices and standards, port safety and security, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.