Belgian seaports and inland ports have launched the Port 2 Port Security Platform, a national initiative developed with the National Drugs Commission to coordinate security efforts and exchange expertise, Port of Antwerp-Bruges said in a news release.
The platform is the first in Europe to align every port and waterway within one country in a shared operational and strategic security framework.
Port 2 Port Security Platform
Federal Minister of Justice and North Sea Annelies Verlinden formally approved the start of the project.
The platform is led by Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port, CSD Limburg and the National Drugs Commission, and will also include the ports of Liège, Brussels and Ostend, alongside waterway managers in Antwerp and Flemish Brabant. The initiative aims to address threats such as drug smuggling, cyber-attacks and the misuse of drones by moving from separate port-level actions to a unified national approach.
Participants will collaborate on inspections, access control, security screenings, AI camera surveillance and drone-related measures, while also organising joint training.
The cooperation builds on the ISPS Code and the Belgian Maritime Security Act. The recent revision of the law promotes automated and structural approaches and supports information exchange between authorities responsible for protecting critical infrastructure, port facilities and personnel.
The platform is a complementary to existing national and local ISPS authorities, with a focus on mutual trust and strengthening a shared security culture.
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Source: Port of Antwerp Burges
