Directive 2005/65/EC on enhancing port security

Ports are an essential link within the total transport chain, linking up maritime with landside trade and passenger flows. Ports are often the focal point for shipments of dangerous cargo, for major chemical and petrochemical production centres, and/or situated near cities. It is clear that terrorist attacks in ports can easily result in serious disruptions to transport systems and trigger knock-on effects on the surrounding industry as well as directly harming people in the port and the neighbouring population.

It is within this context that the European Commission proposed to develop a comprehensive port security policy. The 2003 Communication on maritime security, which was followed by the adoption of Regulation (EC) No 725/2004 on enhancing ship and port facility security, identified port security as a necessary second step which should secure both the port and the interface between the port and the hinterland. The need for protection extends to people working in or passing through ports, infrastructure and equipment, including means of transport.

EUR-Lex: COM(2004)76: Proposal for a Directive on enhancing port security https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2004:076:FIN

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