Our port plays a strategic role economically, socially and logistically. It is also an essential part of military logistics operations. To continue fulfilling this role safely and efficiently, we continuously invest in both the physical and digital security of our port.
Security at the port: physical and digital
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is Europe's largest petrochemical cluster and one of the main gateways to the continent. Goods from all over the world pass through every day and companies at our port generate more than 4% of Belgium's gross domestic product. This makes the port a critical infrastructure not only for Belgium, but for the whole of Europe.
Physical and digital security and defence
Protecting our port is more important than ever. At both the physical and digital level:
- Infrastructure management: As port manager and operator, we ensure business continuity by maintaining critical infrastructure such as bridges, locks and roads. We optimise traffic control and, together with partners in the safety chain, continuously monitor the safety and security of the port.
- Strategic military hub: Thanks to its strategic location on the North Sea and direct connection to the European hinterland, our port is an essential hub for military logistics. The presence of high-performance logistics service providers, state-of-the-art infrastructure and multimodal transport options make it possible to move equipment, troops and supplies quickly and efficiently. This makes the port an essential player in national and international defence operations, including NATO collaborations.
- Hybrid threats: Hybrid threats are standalone incidents of a disruptive nature. Examples include cyber attacks, disinformation, and sabotage. By developing our own cyber resilience strategy, we also support the port community in understanding and responding to this threat.
Wondering how we keep your supply chain secure?
Legal framework
The Maritime Security Act (13/10/2022) provides the necessary structures and resources for port security. Security services, including the port authorities, hold multidisciplinary consultations at both local and national levels. Moreover, comprehensive detection tools and control mechanisms are deployed to ward off unauthorised access, espionage, and sabotage.
Alongside organised crime phenomena like transmigration and drug trafficking, we are increasingly focusing on geopolitical threats and requirements, such as military logistics and resilience.
Cybersecurity: our first priority
In recent years, cybersecurity has emerged as the port’s most significant business risk. The port's digital resilience is therefore a top priority:
- Security Systems: Every month, our security systems block more than 10,000 phishing emails. With spam factored in, more than 100,000 messages are blocked each month.
- Legislation: The NIS2 legislation (Network and Information Security Directive) gives Port of Antwerp-Bruges and other critical infrastructure operators the legal framework to develop and implement suitable cybersecurity measures.
- Cooperation within the port community: Cyber resilience is a team sport. Through the Belgian Ports ISAC (Information Sharing & Analysis Center), we collaborate closely with the port community to share information on cybersecurity threats and reinforce our collective defences.
We safeguard the port’s security and continuity for the future through sustained investment and close cooperation with national and international partners. Port of Antwerp-Bruges remains committed to ensuring a secure and resilient port, both physically and digitally.
