Port regulations and bylaws
International, European, national and local laws apply in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges port area. The Harbour Master's Office in Antwerp and Zeebrugge issues general harbour regulations, the Port Police Regulation, for its jurisdiction. This port regulation lays down provisions concerning the environment, traffic and safety. There are also a number of specific regulations and directives, for example on tariffs.
General port regulation
All persons entering the port area must comply with the regulations of the port police regulation. Among other things, these rules pertain to:
- order and safety, and environmental protection
- shipping
- storage and handling of bulk goods
- public port services and other port services
- penalties
A number of provisions of the port police regulation are detailed or practically elaborated in the Port Instructions.
- order and safety and environmental protection: ISPS, emergency service access, boat trips, fishing
- Shipping: VHF radio requirement, priority rules, moorings, locks, diving tasks, shore power facilities, waste collection, fumigation
- storage and handling of goods: dangerous and polluting goods, class 7 goods, used vehicles
- public port services and other port services: pilots, towage, bunkering
Specific regulations, instructions, directives, and tariffs
The port regulations also include rules and rates for services.
Concessions
Maritime shipping
Inland navigation
Towage
Restaurants and cafes
Events
Dry docks
Water-bound oil spills
Brabo floating derrick crane
Use of land in the port area
Use of quays
Port traffic regulations
Specialised port vehicles such as straddle carriers typically operate on private land. Do you plan to drive one of these port vehicles on public roads? Then the vehicle must comply with the port traffic regulation. This regulation is a supplement to the highway code.
Maritime shipping
Safety rules
Bunkering
Underwater cleaning
Geozone and drones
Codex dangerous goods
Contact our experts
Any Questions?
Don't hesitate to contact us.