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
Inland navigation
Events
Tariff regulations for events
11/3/2025
Applicable to the Antwerp and Bruges port area. (Only in Dutch)
DownloadDry docks
Tarrif regulations for the use of dry docks
6/3/2025
Applicable to the Antwerp port area. (Dutch only)
DownloadWater-bound oil spills
Tariff regulations for water-bound oil spills
6/3/2025
Applicable to the Antwerp port area. (Dutch only)
DownloadBRABO floating derrick crane
Tarrif regulations for the use of floating derrick crane BRABO
6/3/2025
Applicable to the Antwerp port area.
DownloadUse of land in the port area
Regulations on the use of land in the port area
6/3/2025
Applicable to the Antwerp port area. (Dutch only)
DownloadUse of quays
Regulations on the use of quays and sheds in the port area 2024
6/3/2025
Applicable to the Antwerp port area. (Dutch only)
DownloadPort 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.
Safety rules
General safety requirements
6/3/2025
Applicable to terminals, quays, jetties, landing bridges, pontoons and other port infrastructure in the Bruges port area. (Dutch only)
DownloadBunkering
Underwater cleaning
Codex dangerous goods
Contact our experts
Port Authority Supervisors (PAS)
Enforcement department Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Any Questions?
Don't hesitate to contact us.
