Cyprus and Egypt conduct joint maritime security training in Larnaca

Between August 31 and September 9, 2026, a joint maritime security training exercise took place at the CYCLOPS Center in Larnaca, Cyprus. The program involved the Cyprus Police, including the Port and Marine Police, the Cypriot Navy, and the Egyptian Navy, focusing on Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threat responses.

The training curriculum aimed to enhance operational coordination regarding policing at sea and the handling of hazardous materials. Instructors from the Port and Marine Police were supported by personnel from the National Guard’s Underwater Demolition Unit and Special Forces Command, as well as representatives from the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Ambulance Service. The exercise utilized various floating assets of the Port and Marine Police, with personnel from the maritime department serving as crew members throughout the mission.

This initiative highlights ongoing cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt in regional maritime security. The CYCLOPS center serves as a critical infrastructure for specialized training in open-seas and port security, facilitating collaborative efforts between international partners to manage contemporary maritime threats.