Attacks on ships force Greece to exercise readiness with a tanker strike scenario

A large-scale marine pollution response exercise will be held on Tuesday, March 31, in Elefsina, Greece, in the presence of the minister of maritime affairs and insular policy Vasilis Kikilias, with the aim of testing the preparedness, response speed, and coordination of all involved agencies.

The drill forms part of the preparation for responding to the increased challenges affecting shipping, supply chains, energy transport and the maritime sector in general.

The scenario includes an attack on a tanker by an unmanned aircraft, which causes an oil spill and immediately activates the mechanisms for responding to marine pollution.

The exercise will involve Hellenic Coast Guard assets, alongside private-sector resources and specialized anti-pollution equipment.

Coordination procedures with regional and local authorities – including regions, municipalities, port authorities, and port funds – will also be tested in real-time conditions.

In parallel, local exercises will be held in all port authorities of the country, with