Organised this year by the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean, the RAMOGEPOL 2025 exercise simulated a major oil pollution incident at sea, leading to the activation of the RAMOGEPOL plan.
This operation tested the ability of the three partner countries — France, Monaco and Italy — to respond swiftly and in a coordinated manner to a significant marine pollution event, with the objective of containing the oil slicks before they reached the coastline.
The exercise involved specialised naval and aerial assets from all three countries, enabling the detection, monitoring and recovery of pollutants. The simulation provided an opportunity to test communications, responsiveness, and equipment performance, particularly under adverse weather conditions. Coordination between teams at sea and the onshore command centre was also evaluated, with the support of Italian and Monegasque liaison officers present both on board and at the crisis centre.
The exercise highlighted the cohesion and shared commitment of the delegations, strengthened by the participation of high-level authorities from the three countries:
- Vice Admiral Christophe LUCAS, Maritime Prefect, and his Deputy, Rear Admiral Jean-Emmanuel PERRIN
- Principal Commander Fabien VACHETTA, Head of Division of the Public Safety Directorate of the Principality of Monaco
- Mrs. Emanuela SPADONI, Head of Division 5 of the Directorate General for the Protection of Biodiversity and the Sea, Italian Ministry of the Environment
- Admiral Antonio RANIERI, Maritime Director of Liguria
- Via videoconference: Rear Admiral Francesco TOMAS, Director General of the Directorate General for the Protection of Biodiversity and the Sea, Italian Ministry of the Environment, and Mr. Christophe PRAT, Director General of Monaco’s Department of the Interior
These anti-pollution exercises, organised annually within the framework of the RAMOGE Agreement, illustrate the importance of the RAMOGEPOL plan as a key operational tool for the protection of the Mediterranean — a shared and precious natural heritage.
A warm thank you to all participants and international partners for their commitment.
See you in 2026 for a large-scale RAMOGEPOL exercise in the Principality, coordinated by the Italian delegation, marking the 50th anniversary of the RAMOGE Agreement!
Manuela Tapon – Sébastien Chenal (Marine nationale) & RAMOGE Agreement
