EU ports policy: Where do we go from here?

With the advent of the ISPS code, an impressive array of regulations has been pat in place to safeguard European Union (EU) ports from acts of terrorism and other unlawful acts. Also, the 'Prestige' tanker disaster has triggered important legislation that may affect ports, as regards safety and environmental protection. This paper takes a look at current port safety, security and environmental protection legislation, vis-a-vis the general policy thrust of the EU in the area of transport, and discusses the situation faced by the port sector and EU intermodal transport in the new regime. It is argued that we have a long way to go towards reaching policy goals as regards shifting cargo from land to sea. Challenges and opportunities are identified, and recommendations on how to improve the current situation are made.