Via submissions to the IMO and high-level debate at its global conference, IAPH is leading port efforts to support the modernisation of the ISPS Code
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) – a recognised NGO at the IMO and the global voice for world ports for more than 70 years – is leading port industry efforts to ensure the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code remains fit for purpose, two decades after its introduction.
These efforts encompass a global survey of views on the ISPS Code in the port sector, detailed submissions to the IMO based on the subsequent findings, and high-level discussions at its international conference, attended by more than 700 delegates from 70 countries.
IAPH, which represents a 400-strong membership of ports and port-related businesses, believes there is a case for updated guidance that reflects modern port operations and strengthens cooperation among key stakeholders.
A global survey
Proposal for review of the Guide to Maritime Security and the ISPS Code to address emerging transnational organized crime (MSC 112/7/1) submitted by the United States at the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) urged Member States and the IMO to consider developing additional maritime security measures within existing IMO instruments, namely the ISPS Code, to better address evolving security threats.
In response to the subsequent IMO invitation for international organizations to submit relevant proposals to a future session of MSC, IAPH established a dedicated working group under its Risk & Resilience Committee, focusing on the issue of whether the ISPS Code and/or supporting guidance should be revisited.
IAPH then undertook an industry-wide survey (August–September 2026) to gauge opinion on the possible future amendment, replacement and/or development of the ISPS Code.
The findings of this IAPH survey of the global port sector provide evidence of the need to review and update the existing maritime security framework.
The survey received 181 responses from organizations including port/harbour authorities, port facility operators, terminal operators, governments/designated authorities and other maritime stakeholders. Respondents represented a broad range of port types and operating contexts.
Gaps and weaknesses
Although there was considerable variation in respondents' individual assessments, when asked to assess the effectiveness of the current ISPS framework, the industry representative average showed a collective view of below 50% effectiveness.
Identification of the most significant weaknesses or gaps in the current ISPS framework showed a particularly strong concentration around technology and the changing nature of port operations. Cybersecurity and digitalization was identified by 83% of respondents, making it by a substantial margin the most frequently selected weakness. Emerging technologies and automation were identified by 57%.
IAPH considers that the findings reinforce the case for updated, practical and forward-looking guidance that reflects the interconnected nature of modern port operations and strengthens cooperation between governments, competent authorities and private-sector stakeholders. The full results and analysis of the survey responses can be found here.
IAPH has made a submission covering this undertaking for consideration at MSC 112 (14–18 December): Results of an IAPH ports industry survey on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (submitted with ICHCA and IHMA).
IAPH also supports proposal MSC 112/14/11, submitted to the IMO by a number of countries, for a new output to amend the 2003 ILO/IMO Code of practice on security in ports (MSC 78/26) with a view to enhancing maritime security and supporting the implementation of the ISPS Code.
An international debate
At the 2026 IAPH World Ports Conference held today, Thursday 5 November, IAPH Senior Manager: Data Collaboration, Risk & Resilience Chloe Rowland moderated a plenary discussion among industry experts entitled ‘Has the time come to review the ISPS Code?’
Among a diversity of perspectives during the discussion, the panel agreed that, while the ISPS Code remains an essential foundation for maritime security, the environment in which it operates has changed significantly, and that – given their critical role in supply chain security – ports should continue to play a key role in supporting assessment of the code at a regulatory level.
Chloe and was joined by expert panellists Jeremy Greenwood, Head of Maritime Security Section at the International Maritime Organization, Timothy Brown Chief, Office of Standards Evaluation and Development at the US Coast Guard, and Peter Van Parys, COO at North Sea Port and chair of the IAPH Risk & Resilience Committee.
You can view IAPH’s recent submissions to the IMO on potential enhancements to the ISPS Code here: Results of an IAPH ports industry survey on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (submitted by IAPH, ICHCA and IHMA).
Contact: Victor Shieh, Membership and Networks Director
Email: victor.shieh@iaphworldports.org
About IAPH
Founded in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has developed into a global alliance of 216 port authorities as well as 186 port-related businesses. Comprised of over 97 different nationalities across the world’s continents, member ports handle over one third of the world’s sea-borne trade and well over 60% of the world container traffic. Since 1967, the Association has represented port authorities and operators as the official UN-recognized consultative NGO of the International Maritime Organization, fostering industry collaboration and excellence. IAPH leads global port industry initiatives on decarbonisation and energy transition, risk and resilience management, and accelerating digitalisation in the maritime transport chain. The IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program has grown into the reference database of best practices of ports applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrating them into their businesses – iaphworldports.org.