Maritime surveillance technology in Libya

16.1.2019

Question for written answer E-000190-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sabine Lösing (GUE/NGL)

Under the EU’s ‘Aurora’ project, Italy is receiving EUR 46 million from the Commission to develop a Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Tripoli, which will be operational in 2020 at the earliest. It will then become part of the ‘Seahorse Mediterranean’ surveillance network. In the meantime the Libyan Government has set up another operations centre bringing together all the authorities responsible for aspects of maritime safety and security. This Libyan Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) is located close to Tripoli’s airport. Those who work there include Foreign Ministry, Coastguard, port and airport staff as well as employees of the telephone exchange. Until the MRCC is ready, the JRCC will function as a provisional coordination facility.

1. What vessel-tracking-systems and communications technology is being installed by Italian authorities as part of the Aurora project, whether for an MRCC or a JRCC in Libya? 2. What functionalities (e.g. radar, electro-optical sensor detection, Automatic Identification System signal tracking, satellite surveillance or threat analysis) are these systems capable of taking on and what plug-ins are being incorporated for those purposes? 3. What products, from which manufacturers, are being purchased and delivered in this context?