Laws and regulations in North Sea Port

Yes. In addition to international, European, national and local legislation, specific port regulations and by-laws also apply within the port area. For the port areas of Borsele, Vlissingen and Terneuzen, this is laid down in the Port By-laws and the accompanying Port Regulations. 

For the Ghent port area, these rules can be found in the Port Police Regulations North Sea Port Port Area Ghent and in the Geographical UAS Zone Regulation – Geozone EBR55 Ghent Harbour.

The Port Police Regulations set out the framework for safe and fair port life in our Ghent port area. They guide cargo handling, passenger transport, services, environment and safety.

Need some additional background info? Check the Port Police Regulations Ghent incl. explanatory notes and our flow chart for tankers (in Dutch).

Yes. Port vehicles are special vehicles intended for the handling and transport of goods and are only used within the port area, between the loading and unloading quays, storage sites, sheds and warehouses. If they are to be used on public roads within the port, they must comply with a specific regulation: the Port Traffic By-law.

Read all about it on the Port Traffic By-law page.

The Port Vehicles desk can be reached by email at havenvoertuigen@northseaport.com

Yes. Anyone wishing to carry out a flight in the Ghent port area must first submit a flight permit application. This application must be submitted at least 5 working days and no more than 14 days prior to the planned flight to the Harbourmaster’s Office. To do so, complete this form (Dutch only) and return it to geozone@northseaport.com. 

Only those who receive a valid flight permit are authorised to operate in this zone. 
The form is only available in Dutch.

The Ghent port area is designated as UAS zone EBR55. For the Flemish seaports, these are fixed geographical UAS zones. 

The Harbour Captain is the geozone manager of this zone and administers it together with the Port Operations Coordination Centre. 

For carrying out unmanned flights (such as drone operations) above this area, the Geographical UAS Zone Regulation – Geozone EBR55 Ghent Harbour applies. This regulation contains the operational provisions and practical information and constitutes the detailed implementation of Part 8 of the Port Police Regulations North Sea Port Port Area Ghent. 

All persons within this area must comply with these provisions.

• View the interactive map of the geozone: VertiGIS Studio Web
• Consult the Port Police Regulations North Sea Port Port Area Ghent
• Do you have any questions? Please contact us via geozone@northseaport.com.

Before you may conduct a flight in geozone EBR55, you must, among other things: 

• Have knowledge of the area where you are flying (e.g. over water, ISPS terminals, Seveso companies, nature reserves …);
• Clearly indicate to which category (OPEN or SPECIFIC) the flight belongs;
• Be at least 18 years old and hold the required certificates and competencies;
• Hold the necessary insurance cover;
• Be able to communicate in Dutch or English;
• Use a UAS that meets the technical requirements. 

Conditions and restrictions

• Always comply with all conditions.
• You must remain reachable throughout the operation via the mobile number provided in the flight permit application.
• Maintain the mandatory distance from cranes, vessels and port infrastructure.
• The operator and any crew members must be positioned in a safe location.
• Respect the conditions and circumstances for which the flight permit has been granted (equipment, area, altitude, period …).
• The operator remains at all times responsible for the pilots and equipment. He ensures that all conditions are met and that compliance is in place with all relevant geozones. The port authority will not automatically verify this.
• Flight altitude is limited to 400 ft / 120 metres AGL. This may only be exceeded with the authorisation of the BCAA (DGLV) and following screening by the port authority.
• Flights must be conducted under VFR (visual flight rules). Deviations are only permitted with the authorisation of the BCAA (DGLV) and following screening by the port authority. 

You can read the full regulation here: Geographical UAS Zone Regulation – Geozone EBR55 Ghent Harbour

During the flight you must:

• Always be reachable via the telephone number provided;
• Not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication;
• Be well-rested and alert;
• Be able to act quickly or land in case of an emergency;
• Ensure that the pilot and any crew are positioned in a visible and safe location;
• Take responsibility for all aspects of the flight;
• In case of doubt, act in accordance with the principles of good airmanship.

Yes. The Port Operations Coordination Centre may revoke a flight permit at any time, including during its execution, if there are indications of:

• Danger to safety or security;
• Violation of privacy or environmental regulations;
• Breaches of the Port Police Regulations North Sea Port Port Area Ghent.

For manned aviation, general aviation legislation remains applicable, as set out on the website of Skeyes. 

As can be read in the eAIP, in EBR545 prior authorisation is required from North Sea Port in order to ensure safety in the harbour and to assist in avoiding conflicts with other drones. 

Plan your flight
View the options here for applying for your flight over the North Sea Port area in Belgium. 

Type of flight

• Inspection flight with take-off and landing from a heliport: Send your application by email including the flight route and minimum altitude outside the EBXX zone.
• Inbound flight
  For shipment (export) or outbound flight following shipment (import): use the application form (Dutch only) and send your application by email, including the following details:
  • Application including the designated take-off or landing zone and exact time.
  • Flight route within the port area, with special attention to the section below 500 ft (drone area).
  • Approval from the terminal.
  • Approval from the competent authority. 

Restrictions and additional conditions

• Inspection flight: only VFR flights are permitted.
• Inbound or outbound flight:
  • Flights may only take place during daytime, with good visibility and in non-extreme weather conditions.
  • Flights may not be conducted above tank installations or petrochemical companies.
  • Road or maritime traffic must not be obstructed.
  • Public roads may not be closed.
  • Authorisation is one-off and provisional. It may always be revoked by North Sea Port.
  • The take-off and landing area must be clear of debris to prevent objects from being blown around, causing damage or injury, or ending up in the water.
  • During landing, the landing site must be secured and cordoned off. All safety measures must be observed. 

Unplanned flights (state aircraft) 

• Notify North Sea Port as soon as possible before flying below 500 ft, so that potential drone traffic can be assessed.
• Port Operations telephone: +32 (0)9 251 04 57

Yes, but only with permission. Every drone flight must be applied for and approved in advance. This keeps the port safe for shipping, businesses and the surrounding area. On our Rules and Regulations page you’ll find all answers, rules and conditions.

Important: two countries, two procedures. 

• In our Dutch port areas (Vlissingen/Terneuzen), apply via this online form.
• In our Belgian port areas (Ghent), use this form (only available in Dutch).

Remember: without official confirmation, you do not have permission to fly a drone over North Sea Port.

Yes. For drone flights in the Vlissingen and Terneuzen region, located within the North Sea Port harbour area, permission is required. You must register your planned flight in advance via the North Sea Port portal: Register drone flight the Netherlands.

Please note: this requirement is in addition to the general European drone legislation (EU 2019/947) and the applicable Dutch aviation law.

Where you may or may not fly over the Dutch port areas of North Sea Port can easily be found on the GoDrone zone map. Above Vlissingen and Terneuzen, a zone has been established in which flights in the open category are prohibited. View the applicable regulations for this area here (in Dutch). 

The Harbourmaster is the manager of this zone and administers it together with the Port Operations Coordination Centre. Do you have further questions? Please contact us via geozone@northseaport.com.

You must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid drone licence (proof of competence), depending on the category (Open, Specific);
• Fly outside the prohibited areas as designated in the Regulation on Zoning of UAS Areas Netherlands (see prohibition zones - in Dutch);
• Operate with an approved device appropriate for the type of operation;
• Plan your flight within the correct zoning and in accordance with the current airspace restrictions. 

Full information can be found at: www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/drone (in Dutch)

During your flight you must:

•  Comply with the conditions set out in your permit approval;
• Always be reachable on the telephone number provided and be able to intervene or land quickly in the event of an incident;
• Not be under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication;
• Ensure visibility and safety for yourself, others and the port area;
• Operate the drone only if you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to do so safely.

In the event of an incident or irregularity during your flight in Vlissingen or Terneuzen, you must report this via the reporting point of the Dutch police: 0900-8844. 

Ensure that, in the event of an incident, you provide all relevant details immediately (date, time, location, nature of the incident). Incident reporting helps to maintain safety and transparency within the port area.

Port Facility Security Officers from ISPS companies can also report incidents in MOBI.