Photographing and filming
A port is a unique backdrop for filming and photographing. The activity, architecture and shipping are very attractive to people with a passion for creating original imagery. To protect the proper functioning of the port, please follow the guidelines and agreements below.
General guidelines
The port is a technically complex environment with its own regulatory framework. The use of both companies in the port and the Port House has a major impact on its operation. It is therefore mandatory to request permission from Port of Antwerp-Bruges. For recordings on company premises, approval is also required from the company involved.
Recording in Antwerp
For image and sound recordings on the Antwerp platform, please request permission from the communications service.
Recordings in Bruges
For image and sound recordings on the Bruges platform, please request permission from the communications service.
Imaging nuclear and critical facilities
Include the information below in your request:
- surname and first name
- contact details
- purpose of the recording
- name of the broadcaster, production company or other medium you work for
- (TV) program / (TV) series / film of which these recordings are part
- the exact location(s) where you wish to film
- date and time
- what equipment you will bring
- how much space you need for setting up your equipment
- any storage space you may need
- possible scenario
You will receive notification as soon as possible as to whether the recordings may go ahead. In such cases, you will receive more information about the practical details and possible costs. You can find the basic conditions in our Tariff regulations on events, photography and film recordings 2021.
For recordings in the Port House and in other locations of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we draw up a location agreement. Additional costs for Port of Antwerp-Bruges staff, security or other services will be invoiced to the applicant.
Requests for recordings that take place both in the City of Antwerp and in the port area must be submitted via the City of Antwerp.
Safety
Always keep in mind the working nature of the port and the fact that the port area is busy. Respect the traffic rules and be extra vigilant near bridges and locks, where the traffic situation changes regularly.
Nuclear and critical facilities
For your information, keep in mind that you can only take pictures of nuclear facilities such as the Doel nuclear power plant under certain conditions and with explicit permission. The legal text is is not available in English. For further information contact FANC.
Drones
Since 2021 the port area has been a geozone where all flights must comply with certain legal requirements. This means that you have to ask permission for every drone flight. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
As a drone pilot, if your paperwork is in compliance in advance, the request and permission for a flight goes very smoothly.
The permission from Port of Antwerp-Bruges does not mean that you can fly over companies or industrial installations as you like. For this, you need the written permission of the companies in question.
News media and journalists
Journalists (professional journalists, journalists by profession, trainee professional journalists and part-time journalists) with an official press card and accompanying technicians (with T-card) can photograph or film on the public domain in the port area without prior permission.
Recording with drones always requires permission, including for journalists.
