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Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NATO sends warships to patrol Arctic waters
MILAN — NATO has deployed a maritime task group made up of Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese, and German vessels to boost its maritime presence in the Arctic and High North. The alliance's maritime forces assigned to the Standing Maritime Group 1, or SNMG1, have been operating in the strategic waters since this week. These include the flagship vessel De Ruyter from the Netherlands, the Thor Heyerdahl from Norway, the Bartolomeu Dias from Portugal, and the Rhön from Germany. Additional maritime patrol aircraft have been complementing the ships' activities. The NATO task group will conduct anti-submarine activities designed to protect critical sea lines of communication and ensure freedom of navigation in the region as well as routine patrols. '[They will also carry out] integrated operations involving the coordination of various surface ships and air assets to increase the alliance's understanding of the maritime environment, enhance information sharing and rehearse navigational maneuvers,' Commander Arlo Abrahamson, spokesperson for NATO's Allied Maritime Command, told Defense News. He added that it will provide NATO maritime forces with 'valuable' opportunities to enhance their knowledge of the polar regions and their ability to sustain operations in these waters. The deployment comes a few days after Russia launched a major naval exercise in the Pacific, Arctic, Baltic and Caspian seas, according to the Russian defense ministry. The 'July Storm' drill, which took place from July 23-27, was reported to have involved 150 warships and 15,000 military personnel. Over the last few years, experts have signaled an Arctic rapprochement between China and Russia displayed by organized joint military drills near the Arctic region as well as naval and air patrols over the East China Sea and Sea of Japan. A recent report published by the Center for European Policy Analysis warned that both countries also share a willingness to disrupt critical undersea infrastructure, which could affect the interests of NATO states. 'The disruption of critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) and seabed warfare activities represents another form of nefarious relations that Russia and China might further in the Arctic – both have a clear interest in disrupting CUI as part of a continued subthreshold operations against Western interests,' the report said. Seven NATO countries have territories located within the Arctic circle: Denmark, Canada, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. Solve the daily Crossword
The South African
04-06-2025
- General
- The South African
7 South African harbours that look like the coast of Portugal
Portugal's coast is known for its rugged cliffs, cobbled quays, and sun-bleached fishing villages. But you don't have trek all the way to Europe to soak in that same vibe. With its rich maritime history and colonial past, South Africa has several harbours that feel like they were plucked straight from the Algarve or Lisbon's waterfront. Here are seven South African harbours that echo the look and feel of the Portuguese coast… One of the oldest ports in South Africa, Mossel Bay carries the weight of history – just like many Portuguese towns. The low-rise waterfront, calm blue waters, and presence of sailing vessels give it a distinctly Iberian feel. And it's no coincidence: Bartolomeu Dias first landed here in 1488. Aerial view of Mossel Bay Harbour. Image: canva With its pastel buildings, fishing boats bobbing in the bay, and a laid-back atmosphere, Kalk Bay could easily be mistaken for a seaside town in Portugal. The working harbour is compact and picturesque, surrounded by seafood restaurants and art galleries. The rocky coastline and lighthouses seal the resemblance. Hout Bay's dramatic mountain backdrop mirrors the steep cliffs of the Portuguese coast. The harbour buzzes with fishing activity, and old trawlers line the piers like they've been there forever. Throw in the scent of grilled fish, a salty breeze, and a glass of local white wine, and you're practically in Setúbal. Hout Bay Harbour. Image: canva Tucked under the Hottentots Holland mountains, Gordon's Bay feels like a sleepy Mediterranean village. The old harbour is small, intimate, and ringed with whitewashed homes and cafés. The slow rhythm and old-world charm scream coastal Portugal. A naval base with a colonial flavour, Simon's Town looks like Cascais with its mix of maritime order and old-timey charm. Walk along the waterfront and you'll find tidy piers, historic buildings, and a sense of tradition that could rival any Portuguese fishing town. Simon's Town Harbour. Image: canva This private harbour in the seaside village of St. Francis Bay looks like a European postcard. White homes with thatched roofs sit neatly around a quiet marina. It feels more Algarve than Africa, with yachts moored in still water and narrow canals lined with bougainvillea. While not a traditional harbour, the Knysna Lagoon's quayside has a distinctly European flair. The weathered boardwalks, docked leisure boats, and briny air echo parts of southern Portugal. Add in the seafood eateries and mountain views, and it's a dead ringer for spots like Lagos or Tavira. Sunset over Knysna Waterfront. Image: canva Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
