Port security in EU: A systemic approach

In response to the tragic events of September 11 2001 and the growing concern for the security of ships and ports, the International Maritime Organization set up new security regulations implemented in the International Ship and Port facility Security code as an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea convention on minimum security arrangements for ships and port facilities. It has been transposed to the Community legal framework by the Regulation 725/2004, successively, extended into the whole port area by the Directive 2005/65/CE. Ports constitute crucial intermodal nodes in the freight and passenger transport network as well as important border control points. Their security is therefore of paramount importance not only because of their critical transport functions but also because of their specific role, as control points, in the regional, national and European security. Indeed, port security is a cornerstone for the implementation of the new international maritime transport security regime in what regards the protection of port users and public as well as the protection of the maritime vessels. The aim of the present paper is to analyse the problem, highlight the issues faced in a systematic way and provide a systemic framework towards a better port security without penalising excessively the trade or the port related activities. To this end: (1) A basic taxonomy concerning ports, port facilities and security is established (2) The main requirements from the EU and international regulations are highlighted. (3) The port facility security, basic functional block for the port security, is analysed and its main parameters are derived. (4) The current situation of EU port facilities is highlighted and some conclusions on the short term priorities and the way ahead are drawn.