Since 1 January 2026, adjusted Port Police Regulations have been introduced in the Port Area of Ghent.
The Port Police Regulations ‘North Sea Port Flanders – Port Area of Ghent’ is a regulation of special law enforcement. This regulation is intended to promote proper port management in Ghent, the Flemish part of the port area. The provisions of the regulation are supplementary to higher-level legislation. Some of the specific provisions include the handling and storage of goods, accessibility and traffic management within the Flemish port area, environmental protection, port safety, and the regulation of port-related services.
Anyone present in the port area must comply with the provisions of this regulation that apply to them. The Harbour Captain oversees compliance and is authorised to enforce the rules.
Approval by the Flemish Government
The Flemish Government is responsible for approval of the Port Police Regulations. The Government approved the draft “Port Police Regulations North Sea Port – Port Area of Ghent” on 12/12/2025.
Keeping the Regulation Up to Date
North Sea Port updates the Port Police Regulations at appropriate intervals if required. Maintaining an up-to-date regulatory framework contributes to effective port management. The framework ensures alignment with higher-level legislation and allows anticipation of new developments, as well as providing an appropriate framework to promote and, where necessary, enforce the desired situation within the North Sea Port area. Additionally, it offers a correct and sufficient basis for supervision and enforcement when required.
Focus Areas of the Current Adjustments
The current adjustments primarily concern the execution of nautical operations. In addition, we have incorporated several operational improvements into the text, as well as a number of clarifications.
Together. Smarter.
For North Sea Port, a safe port area is crucial. Its ultimate goal is to ensure the continuity of port activities to the greatest extent possible.
The provisions of the Port Police Regulations are supplementary to higher-level legislation and aimed at specific objectives regarding order and safety within our area of control. Ensuring compliance with the applicable rules in the port area is one of the core tasks of the Harbour Captain’s service. This is primarily achieved through prevention and supervision. However, when enforcement is unavoidable, up-to-date Port Police Regulations also provide a clear and solid framework.
The full document can be downloaded below.
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