With the introduction of Port Pass, North Sea Port is committed to increased port security. The ISPS-compliant digital solution was launched on 27 January at Stukwerkers Container Terminal in Ghent, in the presence of Belgian Minister Annelies Verlinden (Justice and North Sea) and the companies involved.
Port Pass replaces physical port passes with full digitization. Port Pass is the result of intensive collaboration between North Sea Port, Peripass and seven pilot customers from the port community – Stukwerkers, CEPG central office of dock workers, Sea-Invest, Euroports, Citrosuco, Euro-Silo and Louis Dreyfus Company. With the support of the Belgian Directorate-General (DG) Shipping, the harbour master and in collaboration with the National Authority for Maritime Safety, the solution meets the urgent need for more efficient and user-friendly ISPS-compliant port security.
Digital and biometric
This solution digitizes the entire port pass process, replacing physical copies. Drivers, for example, register via smartphone with triple verification: pre-registration, biometric identity check and real-time check for port bans. This digital platform for identity and access management makes access control significantly faster and more reliable than traditional, (partly) physical solutions. After all, the Port Pass also applies to visitors, contractors, own personnel and ship crews.
This launch marks a fundamental shift in how security and compliance with legislation are organised in ports. By working together as a port community on this solution, North Sea Port is setting a uniform new standard for the sector.
Public-private partnership
The North Sea Port Authority actively supported the development through intensive co-creation sessions with terminals, the harbour master, Peripass and the Belgian DG Shipping, in order to develop a solution that is operational, ISPS-compliant and scalable from day one.
“The changing security situation in our society and geopolitical changes require ports to play a more active role. The introduction of Port Pass and digital security shows what is possible when private and public partners work together on a common challenge,” emphasised Peter Van Parys, COO of North Sea Port. "This collaboration and investment strengthen the level of security in both our port and our surrounding area. At the same time, it also strengthens our competitive position as a leading European port."
With her presence, Belgian Minister Verlinden emphasised the strategic importance of Port Pass for Belgian port infrastructure and national security. The platform contributes directly to the objectives of combating drugs and maritime security, while at the same time drastically reducing the administrative burden on transporters and terminals.
With this innovation, North Sea Port is positioning itself as a pioneer in the digital transformation of port security in Belgium. The go-live for all pilot customers is planned for the end of March 2026.
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