Port security & access control: A systemic approach

Ports constitute crucial intermodal nodes in the freight and passenger transport network as well as important border control points. Their security is therefore of paramount importance not only because of their critical transport functions but also because of their specific role, as control points, in the regional, national and European security. Port security is a cornerstone for the implementation of the new international maritime transport security regime. The aim of the present paper is to analyse the problem, highlight the issues faced in a systematic way towards a better port security without penalising excessively the trade or the port related activities, with a particular emphasis on access control and identity management. Finally, two practical measures for increasing the EU port security are highlighted.