From 11 to 13 May 2026, Zeebrugge hosted for the first time in Belgium the EU Exchange Programme focused on security. This exchange programme, supported by the European agencies EFCA (European Fisheries Control Agency), EMSA (European Maritime Safety Agency), and FRONTEX (European Border and Coast Guard Agency), was coordinated in Belgium by the secretaries of the Coast Guard.
During three intensive days, international participants were given a unique insight into the Belgian approach to maritime and port-related security. The focus was on cooperation, innovation, and the sharing of expertise in combating illegal activities in and around the port.
The port’s layered security approach was presented. Various measures – ranging from physical security to advanced monitoring systems – together form a robust system against, among other things, human smuggling and other illegal practices.
Further attention was given to how security plans are developed, evaluated, and monitored, with a focus on standardized procedures and guidelines. One element included a presentation on Portwatch, an initiative that actively involves the broader port community in reporting suspicious situations. This approach highlights that security is a shared responsibility, in which private and logistics actors also play an important role.
At the Britannia Dock, participants gained a concrete view of this approach in practice. They discovered how camera networks are strategically positioned and how artificial intelligence supports the detection of suspicious patterns. Nevertheless, the human factor remains crucial: operators monitor and interpret footage from no fewer than 500 cameras to intervene quickly and effectively.
Participants from the Italian Guardia di Finanza and the Italian Coast Guard provided explanations of their operations and their roles within their respective organisational structures.
Within the context of the Coast Guard Centre, the MIK partners (Maritime Information Crossroads) presented their cooperation. This centre plays a key role in the exchange of security-related information between various Coast Guard partners (Defence, DG Shipping, Customs, and Marine and River Police) and acts as an important hub for maritime situational awareness.
Through several concrete security cases, the practical aspects of cooperation were illustrated, along with the associated challenges and solutions.
External partners from the private sector, including Elia, Fluxys, and Securitas, shared their perspectives on security. Their contributions emphasised the importance of public-private cooperation and the need to protect infrastructure as effectively as possible.
During an extensive port tour, participants discovered the impressive scale and dynamic nature of logistics activities. The flow of vehicles was particularly striking: no fewer than 2,600,000 vehicles pass through the facilities each year, ranging from brand-new cars to second-hand vehicles.
Customs provided further insight into their inspection techniques and demonstrated a so-called “light rummage” on board a vessel. The crew cooperated smoothly, and a detection dog trained to identify cash and drugs carried out an additional inspection. Although nothing suspicious was found, the exercise provided a clear picture of everyday practice.
In addition, inspectors from the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport – DG Shipping conducted an extensive inspection on both security and safety aspects, with particular attention to documentation and compliance with international regulations.
