National port exercise enhances Mauritius’ response mechanisms and readiness to hazardous threats

The Mauritius Port Exercise (PortEx2026), a full-scale national simulation joint multi-agency emergency preparedness and response initiative against Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats using newly deployed emergency response equipment, was held, yesterday, at Terminal 2 of the Port Area, the Port Command Centre located in the head office of the Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA), and the National Emergency Operations Command (NEOC) Centre housed at the headquarters of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (NDRRMC) in Port Louis.

The exercise was organised by the MPA, in collaboration with the NDRRMC and the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), as part of the continued cooperation between Mauritius and the United States of America (USA) in strengthening the Republic’s national emergency preparedness and response mechanisms.

The PortEX 2026 followed several capacity-building programmes combining theoretical, technical and field modules. Prior to the simulation event, a Counter-Proliferation Tabletop Exercise and Port Exercise Planning Workshop took place in January 2026. The objectives were to analyse the existing national plans, policies and procedures, identify actionable recommendations, and reinforce preparations for the PortEx.

Some 200 emergency responders, including officers from the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service and the Special Mobile Force (SMF), were deployed yesterday as part of the simulation exercise involving an explosion in a container within the port area, resulting in the mock release of toxic gases, casualties, and fatalities. Several national stakeholders from 26 ministries and organisations were thus able to assess the operational readiness, enhance the coordination mechanism and improve Mauritius ‘resilience in responding to major incidents within the maritime and port sectors.

A media briefing session was also held at the MPA’s Port Command Centre in the presence of the Port Master, Captain Louis Gervais Benoit Barbeau; the Commanding Officer and Officer in Charge of the NDRRMC, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Premanand Budhoo; the U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Caleb Goddard; and other officials.

In a statement, Captain Barbeau recalled the strategic importance of the port as the gateway and transit point for major imports and exports. He highlighted the significance of the exercise in evaluating national inter-agency communication and coordination, as well as assessing the Port Security Plan and the Port Disaster Management Plan. He also expressed his gratitude to the USA for the training and coordination provided.

While the Officer in Charge of the NDRRMC dwelt on the simulation scenarios, procedures and operational guidelines, the U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission underlined the longstanding partnership between the USA and Mauritius in advancing national security and emergency preparedness. Mr Goddard stated that the exercise validated the security of the port of Mauritius, the nation’s economic lifeline, against potential threats and dangers. He added that the USA remains committed to supporting Mauritius in strengthening security and disaster response institutions.

20 May 2026

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Topics: Infrastructure, Maritime, Bilateral cooperation