The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), with over 70 years of experience representing ports worldwide, has begun efforts to ensure the relevance of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). This code was introduced over two decades ago, and IAPH intends to update it by reviewing feedback and suggestions from various sectors.
Global Survey and Its Results
These efforts include a global survey of perspectives related to the ISPS Code in the port industry, submitting detailed documentation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) based on the results obtained, and holding high-level discussions at an international conference attended by over 700 representatives from 70 countries.
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IAPH, representing 400 members from ports and port-related businesses, believes there is a need for updated guidance that aligns with modern port operations and strengthens collaboration among key stakeholders.
In this context, a proposal to review the maritime security guidelines and the ISPS Code was presented to the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111), where member countries and the IMO were asked to develop further maritime security measures within the framework of existing IMO tools, particularly the ISPS Code, to better manage evolving security threats.
Weaknesses and the Need for Updates
Following the IMO's invitation for proposals from international organizations, IAPH formed a specialized working group under its Risk and Resilience Committee to examine the necessity of reviewing the ISPS Code or supporting guidelines. This organization also conducted an industry-focused survey from August to September 2026 to gauge opinions on the potential amendment, replacement, or development of the ISPS Code.
The results of this survey indicate the need for a review and update of the existing maritime security framework. The survey received 181 responses from organizations including port authorities, port facility operators, terminal operators, governments, and other maritime stakeholders. Representatives from these organizations represent various types of ports and diverse operational backgrounds.
Despite significant diversity in individual respondent assessments, the industry representative average indicated a collective view of under 50 percent in evaluating the effectiveness of the current ISPS framework. Identifying meaningful weaknesses or shortcomings in this framework highlighted a strong focus on technology and changes in the nature of port operations. 83 percent of respondents pointed to weaknesses in cybersecurity and digital security.
IAPH considers these findings to reinforce the necessity of creating updated and practical guidance that aligns with the interconnected nature of modern port operations and strengthens collaboration between governments, competent authorities, and private sector stakeholders.
The complete results and analysis of the survey responses have been submitted for consideration at the MSC 112 meeting (December 14-18). IAPH also supports a proposal to amend the ILO/IMO Code from 2003 aimed at enhancing maritime security and supporting the implementation of the ISPS Code.
International Discussions at the IAPH Global Conference
At the IAPH Global Ports Conference held on November 5, 2026, Chloé Roland, Chief Data Cooperation, Risk, and Resilience Officer, led a public discussion titled "Is it Time to Review the ISPS Code?" In this discussion, the panel emphasized the importance of continuing the role of ports in assessing the code at the regulatory level and acknowledged that the environment in which the code operates has significantly changed.
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