All Belgian seaports and inland ports, in partnership with the National Drug Commission, have introduced the Port 2 Port Security Platform to facilitate knowledge sharing and joint security initiatives to counter threats including drug smuggling, cyber-attacks and the misuse of drones.

In the announcement, it said that the Port 2 Port Security Platform will unite all Belgian seaports and inland ports in an "integrated" security approach.

The joint initiative of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port, Coordination and Support Directorate (CSD) Limburg and the National Drug Commission is the first of its kind in Europe, where every port and waterway within one country collaborates strategically and operationally.

The platform wil focus on knowledge scharing and on measures relating to security inspections, access control and security screenings, among other areas.

"Belgian ports, as hubs of international trade, are vulnerable to organised crime and cross-border threats including drug smuggling, cyber-attacks and the misuse of drones. With the Port 2 Port Security Platform, the approach will shift from separate initiatives to a coordinated strategy," the announcement said.

It noted that the platform, an initiative of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port, CSD Limburg and the National Drugs Commission, will also bring together the ports of Liège, Brussels and Ostend, as well as the waterway managers in Antwerp and Flemish Brabant.

Sharing expertise and creating joint security measures will allow the partners to strengthen the resilience of the entire Belgian port system.

The cooperation builds on the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security) and the Belgian Maritime Security Act, which translate international standards into a strengthened legal framework against organised crime. The recent revision of the law encourages an automated, structural approach and promotes the exchange of information between the authorities involved, with particular attention to protecting critical infrastructure, port facilities and personnel.

The Port 2 Port Security Platform is an operational collaboration model that combines practical experience with innovation.

Going forward, the ports will regularly exchange knowledge on inspections, access control, security screenings, drones and AI camera surveillance. They will also reinforce a shared security culture through joint training and awareness.

The platform will complement existing national and local ISPS authorities and enable cross-cutting cooperation between ports. Mutual trust is central to this: security is a collective responsibility that transcends competition.

"Security forms the foundation of all port activities. These ports bring years of experience and knowledge, which they are keen to share with others. We also believe that innovation only truly gains momentum when it is a collaborative effort," the initiators Port of Antwerp-Bruges, North Sea Port and CSD Limburg, said.

They added that with the Port 2 Port Security Platform, the ports will combine their individual strengths into a collective force to stay one step ahead of criminals and continue to strengthen the security of our people, infrastructure and economy.

Annelies Verlinden, Federal Minister of Justice and North Sea: "Security starts with sharing information and expertise. With Port2Port, we are building a robust network that better protects our ports and strengthens their resilience. In this way, we will demonstrate that cooperation is a key force in keeping our economic engines safe and resilient."