The Port Authority of Las Palmas has carried out a terrorist attack drill on the Muelle Reina Sofía, on the Ensco DS-11 platform, with the purpose of evaluating the reaction capacity and coordination of the different bodies and services involved in port protection. This exercise is part of the Port Protection Plan, approved in June 2025, and responds to the objective of guaranteeing maximum preparedness for risk scenarios.
The drill recreated the intrusion of a semi-rigid boat with three hooded individuals who attempted to violently access the platform, threatening to use explosives. From that moment, security protocols were activated, threat neutralization procedures were executed, and the evacuation of crew members was simulated using a ladder vehicle from the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Fire Department, after the installation’s ladder was rendered unusable.
Various bodies and services linked to port security participated in the operation. Alongside the Port Police, specialized units of the Guardia Civil, TEDAX, the Cinológica unit, and personnel from the port, the Fire Department, the Mooring Service, and the shipping agent Canarship took part. Furthermore, technical staff from the Port Authority actively collaborated through the Maritime Control and Port Facility Protection and Security departments, ensuring the correct coordination of all mobilized resources.
Security System
The President of the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Beatriz Calzada, highlighted the importance of the exercise: “With this drill, we demonstrate that we have a prepared, coordinated system with the capacity to face critical scenarios. The security of our infrastructure, workers, and users is an absolute priority for this Port Authority.”
This drill, designed by the Port Facility Protection and Security department, reinforces the entity’s technical capacity to autonomously handle highly complex situations. Furthermore, it underscores the need to maintain a constant level of preparedness to ensure an effective and coordinated response to any threat.
Calzada added that “port security is not a goal that is achieved and considered complete, but rather a continuous process of improvement. With initiatives like this, we strengthen the protection of our facilities and guarantee that the ports of Las Palmas meet the most demanding international standards.” With this exercise, the Port Authority of Las Palmas reaffirms its commitment to the security of its critical facilities and to emergency preparedness, ensuring that the port is always in a condition to provide an immediate response to potential risks.
