The European Union has committed to strengthening the security and safety of port infrastructures in West and Central Africa, through the WeCAPS technical assistance project which is financed by the EU and implemented by Expertise France. The WeCAPS project founds its strategy on international frameworks and best practices in the area of port security and safety. These include compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), the implementation of industrial best practices and applicable standards and training for stakeholders involved in the security of port infrastructures. The major area of focus includes:
Port security
Most ports in West and Central Africa have implemented the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, known as the ISPS Code, which was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). WeCAPS supports its partners in their endeavours to ensure the safety of their port infrastructures and in their application of the ISPS Code rules.
Port governance
The European Union West and Central Africa Port Security (WeCAPS) project, implemented by Expertise France, seeks to support autonomous ports, supervisory bodies and port authorities, so that ports may improve management of their safety and security.
Port safety
Port facilities are sensitive sites which require a high level of control over the risks and threats which could affect them. WeCAPS aims to support port authorities in their management of safety, and more specifically, WeCAPS seeks to assist partner ports and the associated State services in West and Central Africa, with a view to predicting, averting and managing crises, by proposing solutions that are adapted to the ports’ needs.
The project is funded by the European Commission and implemented by Expertise France.
