From June 16 to 19, 2026, the Royal Moroccan Navy and the crew of the French metropolitan support and assistance vessel (BSAM) Rhône conducted a joint exercise off the coast of Casablanca focused on accidental marine pollution. The drill aimed to enhance preparedness for potential spills in the busy Strait of Gibraltar shipping lanes.
The exercise involved deploying anti-pollution equipment and coordinating response procedures between the two navies. The BSAM Rhône, a French Navy vessel, participated with its specialized pollution control capabilities. The Moroccan navy provided local assets and personnel for the scenario.
This collaboration underscores the ongoing bilateral cooperation between Morocco and France in maritime safety and environmental protection. The Strait of Gibraltar is one of the world's busiest maritime chokepoints, with heavy tanker traffic posing a constant risk of oil or chemical spills.
No specific details on the types of pollutants simulated or the exact number of personnel involved were immediately available from official sources. The exercise was part of routine training to maintain readiness for environmental emergencies.
