The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Ministry of Defense have signed a new addendum to the agreement on the maintenance and use of the Training Ship and Fisheries Cooperation Vessel (BECP) Intermares. This document extends for four more years, until August 30, 2030, the collaboration between both departments for its joint management and shared use.
The addendum has been signed by the General Secretary of Fisheries, Isabel Artime, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and by the Chief Admiral of the Navy General Staff (Ajema), Admiral General Antonio Piñeiro, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense.
With this extension, the agreement of 2022 is maintained and the cooperation model initiated in 2018 is consolidated, which allows for the utilization of the ship's capabilities throughout the year to meet the needs of both ministries and maximize the use of this specialized public infrastructure.
From Agriculture, they have emphasized that the extension for another four years provides stability to this collaboration, will make it possible to anticipate needs more in advance, plan campaigns and training actions, and strengthen coordination with national and international institutions.
Intermares Vessel, a reference in training and cooperation
The BECP Intermares has established itself as a key platform for training and cooperation in the maritime-fishing field. Its facilities allow for the recreation of real working conditions on board and the development of practical training aimed at the fishing sector, promoting the incorporation of new professionals and generational change.
In this context, last July the BECP Intermares hosted a course in Vigo on "Fishing Arts and Fishing Technology" aimed at facilitating the training and labor integration of immigrant populations in the fishing sector.
On the international level, the vessel carries out training and cooperation activities alongside organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in addition to collaborating with other national and international entities and authorities from third countries. During the last quarter of 2026, the BECP Intermares will develop training campaigns in Mauritania and Senegal.
The continuity of the collaboration between both ministries will allow for the continued exploitation of the capabilities of the BECP Intermares as a tool for the training of professionals, the strengthening of capacities, and international cooperation in favor of sustainable fishing.