In the ever-changing landscape of global security, maritime operations are crucial for safeguarding national interests. There are particularly unique challenges presented by shallow or constrained bodies of water like tidal areas, narrow straits and rugged coastlines. Additionally, areas with other navigational restrictions like offshore exploration, dense traffic zones, and chokepoints also demand thoughtful consideration and caution. Operations in these areas can greatly benefit from the guidance of the specialized experts who comprise NATO’s Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters (COE CSW).
As the Framework Nation, Germany provides crucial support to the COE CSW in terms of infrastructure, core staff personnel, financial backing, and subject matter experts at this Centre of Excellence located in Kiel, Germany. Together, along with personnel from Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Türkiye, and the United States, they serve as essential providers of insight given their wide range of familiarity with challenging bodies of water. This Centre serves as a hub of expertise, contributing to NATO’s efforts in the field while developing effective joint and combined operational strategies.
“Freedom of navigation through the oceans is needed to support the preservation of peace and security around the world,” shared CAPT Symeon Tsagkadas, Greece – Navy, Branch Head for Concept Development and Doctrine at the COE CSW. Narrow or obstructed waterways present diverse challenges, from tidal areas to congested choke points. The Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters (COE CSW) addresses these complexities by developing specialized concepts and capabilities exhibited through conferences and practiced through war gaming. This approach recognizes the strategic importance of narrow seas and shallow waters for global trade and security.
The maritime domain’s significance is undeniable, with a substantial part of Earth’s surface covered by water, a majority of the population residing near coasts, and international trade heavily reliant on sea routes. The mandate of the COE CSW ensures the protection of maritime environments, unhampered trade flow, and global prosperity.
Specifically, the Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters enjoys a close relationship with national entities such as the DEU Flotilla 1 in Kiel, the Bundeswehr Technical Centre for Ships and Naval Weapons (WTD 71) in Eckernförde, and the Maritime Security (MARSEC) COE in Istanbul, TUR. As well as cooperating with various academic institutions such as the Bundeswehr University in München, the World Maritime University in Malmø (SWE), the European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder), the US Naval War College, and the Polish Naval Academy, in addition to a large number of partners from the defence and maritime commerce industries.
Through exercises, research, collaborations and events, the Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters bolsters NATO’s transformation by fostering expertise, enhancing maritime capabilities, and promoting cooperation in complex operational settings.
