It's creation is at least partially in response to the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which comes into force on 1 July 2004 as well as the American backed Container Security Initiative (CSI).

Rotterdam is Europe's busiest container port.

Rotterdam will embrace a range of measures to improve port security, with all enforcement bodies within the port working more closely together. The port police and RMPM have signed a covenant to this effect, the objective of which is to improve prevention, increase the resilience of core services, improve the availability of resources, and direct more attention to aftercare in the event of unforeseen emergencies such as terrorist attack.

'We are taking account of incidents that you cannot imagine, Lems said. 'For example, it could be necessary to evacuate a quarter of a million people from the region. We have duly set up a crisis management plan on the basis of which we are conducting exercises. This will enable us to identify weak spots.'

This 'Operational Security Procedures Scenario' keeps a record of which service patrols which locations and for what purpose. At Phase 3, which applies in the event of a specific terrorist threat, RMPM can ban all unidentified vessels from sectors of the port. Inland waterways vessels are a particular source of concern, as some 400 currently call at the port every day without identification. Should Phase 3 be invoked, the port police have a 'quick response team' ready to intervene immediately.

RMPM has asked for permission to deviate from the Government Information (Public Disclosure) Act and protect certain public information with security implications.

The RMPM staff and port police are also being trained to spot suspicious people more quickly, improving the state of alertness within the port. A project has been started to identify people normally working within the port area, which will be linked to an increased use of security cameras. Some 134 companies within the Port of Rotterdam will draw up their own security plans before 1 July 2004 and special agreements will be made with services such as towage companies.

According to Harbour Master Lems, these measures will not be unnecessary luxuries. 'The port is an attractive target, and because it is so extensive it is very vulnerable, he said. 'In my opinion, we are doing what can be expected although you can never make the port completely watertight.'

MJ Information No: 18502