A high-level IAPH European seminar on securing critical port and maritime infrastructure took place this Tuesday in Rome. Held at the initiative of IAPH vice-president for Europe Jacques Vandermeiren (CEO, Port of Antwerp-Bruges) and with the participation of International Chamber of Shipping chairman Emanuele Grimaldi, the event marked an important step in reassessing how to protect such infrastructure from physical and cyber threats, in a context increasingly shaped by strategic competition and geopolitical tensions. Conducted under the Chatham House rule and kindly hosted by Confitarma, the Italian Shipowners Association, the event took place in the magnificent setting of Palazzo Colonna, one of Rome’s oldest and grandest private palaces. The seminar brought together senior representatives from port authorities and port operators, NATO and the International Maritime Organization. Drawing on the valuable insights shared during the discussions, IAPH will begin developing an action plan to promote best practice exchange, offer strategic guidance, and review the global regulatory framework for critical maritime infrastructure.
