ABSTRACT
International regulatory initiatives aiming to minimize risk and increase the security and operational reliability of the port sector are increasingly complementing policies promoting the competitiveness of ports and their integration in supply chains. Part of this global trend is the European Union (EU) move to bring into force a number of laws, regulations and administrative provisions for enhancing port security. A long-term EU strategy with a reference to all parts of the supply chain and a specific policy on maritime infrastructure protection is under preparation. Whilst the aim of these EU policies is to introduce security standards for (trans)port service providers and the “secure operator” concept, they also affect Europe’s ports in several economic and operational ways. This chapter analyses the implications of the enactment of these policy measures for European ports. The following are some of the issues discussed in order to enhance security by the enactment of these policies by the EU while maintaining a balanced level playing field: (a) the resulting task division among port authorities, other relevant authorities and stakeholders; (b) the cost implications of these measures for the various actors; (c) the search for a balance between risk and regulatory policies; and (d) the emerging financial issues. Finally, this chapter discusses the major controversies between policymakers and stakeholders as regards the introduction of further supranational security related policies.
