North Sea Port launches ‘port pass

The cross-border port, located at the mouth of the River Scheldt, formed by the merger of Dutch and Belgian ports, implemented the new process at the end of January 2026, replacing physical port passes with full digitalisation and thereby meeting the urgent need for more efficient and user-friendly ISPS – compliant port security.

Port Pass is the result of intensive collaboration between North Sea Port, Peripass and seven pilot customers from the port community – Stukwerkers, CEPG central office of dock workers, Sea-Invest, Euroports, Citrosuco, Euro-Silo and Louis Dreyfus Company. With the support of the Belgian Directorate-General (DG) Shipping, the harbour master and in collaboration with the National Authority for Maritime Safety.

As this new solution is digital and biometric, it replaces physical processes. Drivers, for example, register via smartphone with triple verification: pre-registration, biometric identity check and real-time check for port bans. This digital platform for identity and access management makes access control significantly faster and more reliable than traditional, (partly) physical solutions and applies to visitors, contractors, own personnel and ships’ crews.

Peter Van Parys, COO, North Sea Port, explains: “The changing security situation in our society and geopolitical changes require ports to play a more active role. The introduction of Port Pass and digital security shows what is possible when private and public partners work together on a common challenge. This collaboration and investment strengthen the level of security in both our port and the surrounding area. At the same time, it also strengthens our competitive position as a leading European port.”

The “go-live” for all pilot customers is end of Q1 2026.