The IFC was proud to participate in Bell Buoy 2026, held in Auckland, New Zealand from 20 April to I May 2026, alongside over 50 other participants from pacific and Indian Ocean Shipping Working Group (PACIOSWG) nations, shipping companies, and other maritime experts.
In addition to a physical representative in Auckland, the IFC also participated as a remote Deployed NCAGS Element (DNE) during the Command Post Exercise (CPX). This added realism to the CPX scenarios and enriched the learning experience for all participants. The CPX was useful to strengthen knowledge and skillsets for Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) and Maritime Trade Operations (MTO), particularly in improving interoperability in doctrine and procedures, command and control processes, and coordination between participating navies, shipping stakeholders, and other maritime partners.
During the maritime forum, various subject matter experts—shared maritime industry insights and initiatives that contributed to greater civil-military understanding and cooperation. These exchanges helped deepen the IFC's understanding of the commercial shipping community and strengthened shared awareness of the maritime operating environment so that we can serve the industry better.
Overall, Bell Buoy 2026 contributed significantly to enhance interoperability between members and the shipping community to ensure safety and security of maritime trade, which is particularly useful during times of tensions or uncertainty.
Together we can achieve Safe and Secure Seas for all!