The Ministries of Agriculture and Defence extend collaboration on Intermares Vessel management until 2030

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry of Defence have signed a new addendum to the agreement on the maintenance and operation of the Training and Fisheries Cooperation Vessel (BECP) 'Intermares', which will extend the collaboration between the two departments regarding its management and shared use for a further four years, until 30 August 2030.

This extension ensures the continuity of the 2022 agreement and the collaboration model established in 2018, which allows the vessel's capabilities to be utilised throughout the year to meet the needs of both departments and optimise the use of the vessel, a specialised piece of public infrastructure.

The renewal for a further four years brings stability to this partnership allowing for the anticipation of needs, the organisation of campaigns and training activities and the strengthening of cooperation with national and international institutions.

Intermares vessel: Training and cooperation platform

The BECP Intermares has established itself as a leading platform for training and cooperation in the maritime and fisheries sector. Its facilities make it possible to replicate real working conditions on board and to provide practical training tailored to the fishing industry, thereby helping to bring new professionals into the sector and ensure a new generation of workers. In this regard, last July the BECP Intermares hosted a course in Vigo on 'Fishing Gear and Fisheries Technology', aimed at facilitating training and workforce integration for the immigrant population within the fisheries sector.

At international level, the vessel carries out training and cooperation activities in collaboration with organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), as well as with other national and international institutions and authorities in third countries. During the final quarter of 2026, the BECP Intermares will run training programmes in Mauritania and Senegal.

The continued collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry of Defence will allow for the ongoing use of the capabilities of the BECP Intermares as a tool for training professionals, capacity-building and international cooperation in support of sustainable fisheries.

Non official translation