Laurent Hermann, maritime prefect: "The Mediterranean, a concentration of global issues"
Maritime prefect Laurent Hermann detailed his roadmap for the Mediterranean: firmness, cooperation and modernization of the naval base.
In an international context shaken by strong tensions, from Ukraine to the Middle East, Laurent Hermann, maritime prefect of the Mediterranean, outlined the main lines of his mandate.
Citing the art of war, he stressed the imperative to permanently observe the evolution of tactics and techniques: "In the face of new threats, such as drones or cyberattacks that have hit the country, the Marine nationale is adapting its scenarios and exercises to prepare for what might happen in its theater of operations."
A triple mission
The role of the maritime prefect revolves around three fundamental responsibilities, covering the entire spectrum of state action at sea, Laurent Hermann recalled: "The first is emergency management, which includes both the safeguarding of human life and the fight against marine pollution. The second is a general policing mission aimed at regulating and making the different uses of the sea coexist, from fishermen to pleasure boaters and shippers. Finally, the third and broader responsibility is to ensure the governance of maritime spaces under French sovereignty. It is a matter of finding a delicate balance between protecting resources to ensure their sustainability and supporting the economic development of the many actors who depend on the sea."
The Mediterranean, a concentration of global issues
With unique characteristics, the Mediterranean Sea represents a true strategic challenge.
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"The Mediterranean has its own characteristics. It is less than one percent of the ocean's surface, so it is very little, there are 21 countries on the rim and in 30 years the population of the rim countries has doubled. Today there is half a billion inhabitants around the Mediterranean," he added.
To this high human density is added an intense economic activity, since 25% of global maritime traffic transits through its waters. This concentration of activities and populations makes the area particularly sensitive to international crises: "We can clearly see that operations in the Middle East or Ukraine have consequences in the Mediterranean, and we must follow this because behind it, our national interests are at stake," he further specified.
Asserting a credible posture
On the operational level, the French strategy is two-fold. On one hand, it is imperative to display a firm posture to deter any hostile action and clearly mark the boundaries not to be crossed: "It is about our competitors having a clear idea that at some point we will not let ourselves be pushed around," the prefect emphasized.
On the other hand, this posture is accompanied by a willingness for cooperation and aggregation of regional partners: "Collective strength is perceived as a power multiplier and a guarantee of stability in a complex area. We are also here to aggregate our allies in a logic of trust because we are well aware that we are stronger together."
Major projects
The naval base of Toulon, and more broadly the entire maritime district, has entered a phase of profound transformation to accommodate new-generation equipment. The Suffren-class nuclear attack submarine program is well underway, with four units already delivered out of the six planned.
Eyes are also turned towards welcoming the future aircraft carrier, whose commissioning is expected by 2035, Laurent Hermann warned: "This agenda, although seemingly distant, requires launching right now the infrastructure works necessary for its completion and maintenance throughout its operational life. 2035 is tomorrow and to be ready, we must start the works immediately to prepare the quay, the basin where we can finish fitting out the [future aircraft carrier] and then maintain it for its entire operational career."
Au-delà de ces chantiers d'envergure, une attention est portée à l'épanouissement des familles des personnels, civils et militaires. Cet enjeu humain est lié à la performance opérationnelle : « Assurer un logement de qualité et un cadre de vie agréable est considéré comme un facteur clé pour garantir l'attractivité du ministère des Armées, attirer les talents et, surtout, les fidéliser sur le long terme », a conclu le préfet maritime.
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.