To address cyber threats, Dutch seaports, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security have developed a joint approach: “Cyber Strategy for Dutch Seaports“.
The digital threat to ports is increasing every day. Digital attacks are a growing risk to nautical and logistics processes in Dutch seaports. To make the ports more digitally resilient, Dutch seaports united in the Dutch Seaport Association (Branche Organisatie Zeehavens (BOZ)), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security are working together on a nationwide approach. This collaboration was signed by all parties on 10 December 2024.
Joint and National Approach
Cyber incidents impact the entire logistics chain due to the close interconnection of the various parties involved. To better withstand these challenges, port authorities from Groningen Seaports, North Sea Port, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Moerdijk, and Port of Amsterdam are collaborating with companies in their regions to enhance the digital resilience of the port ecosystem.
Peter Van Parys, COO of North Sea Port, stated: “Cybercrime knows no borders. The best way to increase resilience is by working together. This allows us to strengthen the nautical chain and enhance safety in the ports”.
Boudewijn Siemons, Chair of BOZ and CEO of Port of Rotterdam Authority: “Cybersecurity is critical to the continuity and security of our ports. At a time when digital threats are becoming more sophisticated, we must take proactive and concerted action to protect our infrastructure and operations. Only by working together can we strengthen the resilience of our ports and prepare for the challenges of the future. It’s great that the seaports have come together on this issue and we all realise just how hugely important it is. Together we will build on what FERM has already achieved in recent years”.
As part of this approach, the FERM Foundation, which has been active in the ports of Rotterdam and Moerdijk since 2021, will be transformed into a national cybersecurity platform for the Dutch seaports united in BOZ. The activities of FERM will be expanded and extended to other Dutch seaports. FERM aims to raise awareness among companies about cyber risks and foster collaboration in this area, including sharing threat intelligence, exchanging knowledge, and providing necessary training for businesses in the port areas.
About the Dutch Seaport Association (BOZ)
Seaports are essential for the Netherlands and Europe. The Dutch seaports, along with their connected logistics networks, enable global trade. They are hubs for industries and energy clusters, providing employment and contributing to prosperity. The Dutch Seaport Association (BOZ) unites the five nationally important seaports: Groningen Seaports, North Sea Port, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Moerdijk, and Port of Amsterdam. BOZ focuses on issues that transcend individual seaports, representing the interests of its members and promoting knowledge exchange and networking between seaport organizations.
The 
