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2025-11-21

Port 2 Port Security Platform

Belgian ports join forces for integrated port security

The Port 2 Port Security Platform will unite seaports and inland ports in a European first

The Port 2 Port Security Platform is being launched by all Belgian seaports and inland ports, together with the National Drug Commission, to facilitate knowledge sharing and joint security initiatives. This initiative will reinforce Belgium's position as a pioneer in integrated port security and sharpen its focus on threats including drug smuggling, cyber-attacks and the misuse of drones. It marks a European first in which every port and waterway within one country collaborates strategically and operationally. Federal Minister of Justice and North Sea Annelies Verlinden gave the official go-ahead for the platform.

Key highlights

The Port 2 Port Security Platform will unite all Belgian seaports and inland ports in an integrated security approach
This joint initiative of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port, CSD Limburg and the National Drug Commission is the first of its kind in Europe
The platform will focus on knowledge sharing and on measures relating to security inspections, access control and security screenings, among other areas

Transforming individual effort into shared impact

Belgian ports, as hubs of international trade, are vulnerable to organised crime and cross-border threats including drug smuggling, cyber-attacks and the misuse of drones. With the Port 2 Port Security Platform, the approach will shift from separate initiatives to a coordinated strategy. The platform, an initiative of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port, Coordination and Support Directorate (CSD) Limburg and the National Drugs Commission, will also bring together the ports of Liège, Brussels and Ostend, as well as the waterway managers in Antwerp and Flemish Brabant. Sharing expertise and creating joint security measures will allow the partners to strengthen the resilience of the entire Belgian port system.

Solid legal foundation

The cooperation builds on the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security) and the Belgian Maritime Security Act, which translate international standards into a strengthened legal framework against organised crime. The recent revision of the law encourages an automated, structural approach and promotes the exchange of information between the authorities involved, with particular attention to protecting critical infrastructure, port facilities and personnel.

Collaboration as a driver of security

The Port 2 Port Security Platform is an operational collaboration model that combines practical experience with innovation. Going forward, ports will regularly exchange knowledge on inspections, access control, security screenings, drones and AI camera surveillance. They will also reinforce a shared security culture through joint training and awareness.

The platform will complement existing national and local ISPS authorities and enable cross-cutting cooperation between ports. Mutual trust is central to this: security is a collective responsibility that transcends competition.

Belgium sets a European first with pioneering initiative

With the Port 2 Port Security Platform, Belgian ports will set a new standard in Europe: an integrated security approach across all seaports, inland ports and waterways. By combining traditional enforcement with prevention, innovation, information exchange and shared standards, they will work together to build a future-proof and resilient port network.

You can use this link to download rushes and images: Port of Antwerp-Bruges media

Initiators Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port and CSD Limburg: “
Security forms the foundation of all port activities. These ports bring years of experience and knowledge, which they are keen to share with others. We also believe that innovation only truly gains momentum when it is a collaborative effort. With the Port 2 Port Security Platform, we will combine our individual strengths into a collective force to stay one step ahead of criminals and continue to strengthen the security of our people, infrastructure and economy.
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Annelies Verlinden, Federal Minister of Justice and North Sea: “
Security starts with sharing information and expertise. With Port2Port, we are building a robust network that better protects our ports and strengthens their resilience. In this way, we will demonstrate that cooperation is a key force in keeping our economic engines safe and resilient.
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Ine Van Wymersch, Drugs Commissioner, National Drugs Commission: “
Sharing knowledge and expertise across all Belgian ports means working concretely on collective resilience against organised crime and disruptive activities. An important impact of this collaboration is its mitigation of spill-over effects. An initiative launched by both public and private partners immediately demonstrates the importance of this theme: ‘Security through resilience’ is at the top of the agenda for the entire port community.
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You can use this link to download a brochure about the Port 2 Port platform: Leaflet Port2Port Security

You can use this link to download rushes and images: Port of Antwerp-Bruges media

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For press inquiries, contact:

press@portofantwerpbruges.com
+32 492 15 41 39

About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an annual throughput of 278 million tonnes, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a world port in the heart of Europe. The port is a unique ecosystem of maritime throughput, logistics and industry, and is home to Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster. As a hub for containers, general cargo and vehicles, and home to over 1,400 companies, it accounts for around 164,000 direct and indirect jobs and 21 billion euros in added value. This makes it Belgium’s most important economic engine.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to become the first world port that reconciles economy, people and climate. The Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law, manages the port platforms of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. The cities of Antwerp and Bruges are the shareholders. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO, Johan Klaps (Vice-Mayor of Antwerp) is President of the Board of Directors, and Dirk De fauw (Mayor of Bruges) is Vice-President.