Conference hears how secure ports can deliver a resilient Europe
Maritime security experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and security and defence experts on 29 April convened at EFTA House to discuss threats and public-private cooperation in maritime and port security in the EEA.
The event, organised in partnership with the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket), explored how to address security threats and strengthen resilience in maritime infrastructure.
For over 20 years, ESA has worked alongside the European Commission to support EEA States in implementing EU maritime security rules. In this role, ESA has actively contributed to shaping a secure and integrated maritime landscape. By joining forces, ESA and Kystverket fostered a collaborative dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders, and security experts.
The conference was opened with welcoming remarks by ESA President Arne Røksund, followed by a keynote speech by Fotini Ioannidou, Director for Waterborne Transport at the Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, and a panel discussion providing different perspectives on resilience and security risks facing EEA ports.
‘Shifting geopolitical priorities mean that governments and institutions have now turned their attention to these issues. Strategic autonomy, security of supply, and resilient societies are now on the political agenda in Brussels and across the EEA,’ said Røksund.
‘ESA has been a critical partner in making sure that the standards relating to maritime security are upheld. I would like to thank you for this,’ said Ioannidou.
The first panel’s discussion noted that communicating the threat picture across different levels of national administrations remains a challenge. One key takeaway was the critical role of timely and regular information sharing.
The second half of the conference focused on the division of duties and public-private cooperation to enhance security, regulatory compliance and crisis response.
The scene was set by Elisabeth Braw, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, who discussed the intersection of companies in charge of critical infrastructure and national interests. The panel discussed crisis management, incident reporting, and best practices, as well as risk and resilience perceptions, data sharing and support from authorities.
Speakers agreed that ports are vulnerable by design, due to their open and interconnected nature. Ensuring sufficient investments and space in European ports is key to making them resilient. To achieve resilience, public administrations and the private sector must share accountability.
The conference provided an opportunity for policymakers and actors in the maritime, port, and security domain to exchange insights, build partnerships, and shape the future of port security in the EEA.
For further information, please contact:
