What does "blue-water navy" refer to?

The term "blue-water navy" refers to a naval force that possesses the capability to operate in the open ocean, as opposed to limiting its operations to coastal regions, inland waterways, or specialized missions like amphibious assaults. A blue-water navy is equipped with the ships, technology, and logistical support necessary to project power far from its home shores, which enables it to engage in sustained maritime operations in international waters.

This capability is critical for securing sea lines of communication, conducting long-range operations, and maintaining a presence in strategic maritime regions. The focus of blue-water navies is often on deep-sea capabilities, allowing them to undertake missions such as power projection, force deployment, and extended naval engagements across vast distances. This contrasts with navies that are more regionally focused or specialized in other types of operations.