Port of Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port have launched awareness campaigns urging all port users to pause before responding to seemingly harmless requests in a bid to combat maritime drug trafficking.
A dominant method of smuggling in Belgium is the rip-on/rip-off technique, where drugs are inserted into legitimate containers, often at the point of origin, and later removed by “insiders” with authorized access, either voluntarily or under coercion from gangs.
Once a container is loaded, a vessel’s ability to detect or prevent smuggling becomes very limited. As a result, the emphasis is on maintaining vigilance in port and fully cooperating with authorities.
Key practical steps for Masters calling Belgium, according to Belgian P&I:
Before arrival
- Brief the crew on drug-smuggling risks and reporting channels
- Review the security plan and implement patrol duties
- Review CCTV angles, lighting and access-control (including mooring lines)
- Secure vulnerable spaces.
In port
- Strict gangway control
- Keep visitor and stevedore logs
- Maintain routine patrols
- Seal unused spaces and record seal numbers
- Monitor moorings (particularly in Ghent where terminal access can be less controlled)
- Stay in regular contact with terminal security and the agent
Furthermore, it is wise documenting these actions in the logbook, it demonstrates proactive security should authorities board for inspection. There is also an anonymous reporting channel for suspicious behaviour in Belgian ports