Port Security
EU port security regulations apply to all ports that include port facilities covered by maritime security rules. The aim is to ensure that the entire port area is protected by a comprehensive security system.
Port security includes, among other things, conducting a port security assessment, which forms the basis for establishing security plans.
There are three security levels, and each port must appoint a Port Security Officer.
Level 1 – Normal operations under standard conditions.
Level 2 – Heightened security, where ID checks and random inspections are carried out within the port security area.
Level 3 – Restricted access to the port security area, where only authorized personnel are permitted entry. Controls are significantly increased. Companies operating within the area must maintain lists of employees, visitors, and vehicles requesting access. These must be identified before entry is granted. No other access is permitted, including to the Torsviken bird protection area or other adjacent areas.
Terrorist attacks on ports can lead to severe disruptions in transport systems and/or cause harm to people and industry within the port and surrounding areas.
Access Regulations
All ISPS-classified terminals in the Port of Gothenburg have 100% access control. Some terminals are also classified as critical infrastructure and protected sites under the Protective Security Act.
This reinforces access requirements, and the law grants designated security guards extended authority to act within and around protected sites (as a complement to maritime and port security legislation).
Anyone working within ISPS-classified or protected areas of the Port of Gothenburg must carry an access card or be properly pre-registered with the port facility. Those with access cards must wear them visibly at all times. Upon request, everyone must be able to present valid photo identification. Random checks of access cards and ID documents are conducted regularly.
All individuals within port facilities must comply with the rules of order and traffic regulations applicable within the Port of Gothenburg area.
The Port of Gothenburg and its terminals conduct background checks on individuals who hold or apply for access cards to protected areas. The Port of Gothenburg reserves the right to conduct background checks on anyone requesting access to these areas.
If you are visiting the port area, you must enter through Port Entry, the shared access point to the port area. Read more about Port Entry here.
The ISPS Code
The ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) was introduced when the International Maritime Organization (IMO) updated the SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) following the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. The purpose of the code is to protect maritime transport from external threats.
The ISPS Code applies to ships and port facilities—locations where people or goods are transferred to and from ships or where port services are provided. The regulations entered into force on July 1, 2004.
What does the code aim to prevent?
The ISPS Code aims to prevent a range of serious threats to ports and maritime transport, including damage to or destruction of port facilities and ships, hijacking or seizure of vessels, cargo tampering, unauthorized access, smuggling of weapons, and the use of ships as weapons. The code applies to passenger ships in international traffic, cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage or more in international traffic, mobile offshore drilling units, and port facilities serving such vessels.
Three fundamental requirements for ports
Each port facility must conduct a security assessment (prepared by the facility operator).
A security plan must be established for three security levels. These plans must be approved by the Swedish Transport Agency and are valid for a maximum of five years. Level 1 represents normal conditions, Level 2 indicates heightened security, and Level 3 applies in situations of probable and imminent risk. The Swedish Police Authority’s National Operations Department (NOA), in consultation with the Swedish Transport Agency, determines which level applies in Swedish ports.
The security plan must describe how security operations are organized and what protective measures are applied regarding access control, surveillance, and the inspection of cargo, personnel, and ship supplies. These measures must prevent unauthorized access and ensure that weapons or other dangerous items are not brought on board for use against people or property. They must be defined for all three security levels, with higher levels involving increased control and surveillance.
A Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) must be appointed for each port facility. The PFSO is responsible for developing and implementing security plans, addressing deficiencies, training staff, and maintaining contact with corresponding personnel on board ships.
All employees of the Port of Gothenburg and terminal companies have completed interactive training on the ISPS Code. Personnel working in the Energy Port in Gothenburg receive additional security training.