The attacks of 11 September 2001 and the bombings of the USS Cole and the French tanker Limburg have made the shipping industry keenly aware of its vulnerability. Under pressure from the USA, the IMO quickly drew up a series of regulations aimed at increased security for ships and ports. The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code came into force on 1 July 2004. The ISPS Code  forms part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) treaty that is accepted by IMO member states.

The aim of the Code is to make ships and port facilities secure against terrorist activities, thanks to an international framework for collaboration between local and federal authorities. The ISPS Code applies not only to the seaward side of ports (including e.g. the shipping berths) but also to the landward side (quays, wharves and port facilities).

The ISPS Code has been transposed into EU law by Regulation (EC) 725/2004. In May 2003 the European Commission decided to improve security by issuing a new directive “Enhancing Maritime Transport Security” covering the entire port area. This directive came into force in June 2007.

Port security naturally also has to be applied in practice. The level of security in the port of Antwerp is now level 1.

All crew members are advised to have their identity documents with them whenever they wish to gain access to port facilities in Antwerp.

For more information, contact:

Antwerp Port Authority

Harbourmaster's Office

tel. +32-3-205 21 51

e-mail:

Rik.verhaegen@haven.antwerpen.be

Kathy.dua@haven.antwerpen.be