Photographing and filming

The port is a technically complex environment with its own regulatory framework. Make sure to follow these rules:

• Always keep in mind the working nature of the port and the fact that the port area is busy. Respect the traffic rules and be extra vigilant near bridges and locks, where the traffic situation changes regularly.
• You can only take pictures of nuclear facilities such as the Doel nuclear power plant under certain conditions and with explicit permission. For further information contact FANC (in Dutch).
• Photographing and filming fences, gates, other security infrastructure and security activities and personnel is prohibited by law.
•  For shoots on company premises, approval is required from the company involved.
• Using drones in the port area requires special permission. The port area is geozone where all flights must comply with certain legal requirements. This means that you have to ask permission for every drone flight. Having permission from Port of Antwerp-Bruges does not mean that you can fly over companies or industrial installations as you like. For this, you need the written permission of the companies in question.

This includes shoots for tv, film, advertising,... For shoots that take place both in the city of Antwerp and in the Antwerp port area, you must request permission via Antwerp City film office.  

For shoots in (Zee)Brugge (all locations not belonging to the port area), you should contact City Film Office Brugge.

For shoots that take only take place in the port area of Antwerp or Zeebrugge, you must request permission from Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The general terms for shoots in the port area can be found in our local conditons and our Rate regulations on Events, Photographic and Film Recordings.

In your request, include the information below:

• surname and first name
• contact details
• purpose of the recording
• name of the broadcaster, production company or other medium you work for
• (TV) program / (TV) series / film of which these recordings are part
• the exact location(s) where you wish to film
• date and time
• what equipment you will bring
• how much space you need for setting up your equipment
• any storage space you may need
• scenario of the scene(s)

You will receive notification as soon as possible as to whether the recordings may go ahead. In such cases, you will receive more information about the practical details and possible costs.
 

Recordings in buildings such as the Port House or the Pierre Vandamme House or on Port of Antwerp-Bruges sites are only exceptionally allowed. Consideration is given to the added value for the image of Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

Recordings on weekdays are never allowed because of the impact on Port of Antwerp-Bruges employees in the building. 

• Port of Antwerp-Bruges' own activities always take priority. 
• No permission will be given for commercial photo shoots without a direct link to Port of Antwerp-Bruges or the port.
• Requests must be submitted at least 4 working days before the shoot.

Journalists with an official press card can photograph or film on the public domain in the port area without prior permission, provided they observe the general guidelines.  Link naar blok 1 Guidelines for everyone
Keep in mind that even as a journalist, you always need permission to use a drone.