Consultation Responses

Changes to the Rules for Securing Port Facilities

Security Rules for Port Facilities Are Being Relaxed

ISPS-registered cargo ships and passenger ferries operating primarily on domestic routes have been subject to relaxed ship security requirements since March 2013.

The change announced by the Danish Coastal Authority means that the relaxed regulations now also apply to the ferry companies and port facilities that serve the cargo and passenger ships in question.

This change is a step toward an approach to security that takes into account port activities and cargo in a manner more grounded in common sense. Danske Havne would like security requirements for ports and port facilities to take into account the specific likelihood of terrorist acts at the port in question, relative to the port’s activity, size, and geography (location and shipping routes). Danske Havne assesses that the new rules will also impact port security requirements, as parts and aspects of the port’s threat assessment will change as a result of the executive order on improved security for ships engaged in domestic voyages. With this change, ports will have more time to submit updated security plans for port facilities. It is positive that ports will have an extended submission period from 6 to 9 weeks following approval of the vulnerability assessment. See the Coastal Authority's proposed amendments See the Coastal Authority's proposed amendments   Read Danske Havne's response to the public comment period