Maritime security

The global maritime sector is under increasing pressure to modernise safety and access-management practices. Under new EU regulations, Belgian legislation (including the Royal Decree on Maritime Security) and the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security), port operators and logistics stakeholders are obliged to deploy robust, person-specific access solutions.

Palmki, an innovative provider of biometric authentication based on palm-vein recognition, offers a solution that meets these requirements seamlessly. We are also certified to supply biometric systems to port authorities in full compliance with national ISPS control procedures and port regulations.

Legal framework: maritime security in Belgium and Europe

Tighter maritime-security legislation aims to protect ports more effectively against risks such as:

• Unauthorised access to sensitive zones

• Sabotage, smuggling or terrorism

• Inadequate identification and logging of personnel

The Belgian Royal Decree of 4 April 2023 on maritime security places additional emphasis on:

• Strong person authentication (badges alone are no longer sufficient)

• Full traceability and logging of who is where and when

• Protection of critical infrastructure and personalised access rights

According to the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport, access solutions must be non-transferable, person-bound and controlled — paving the way for certified biometric systems like Palmki.

Palmki: A certified biometric solution for the port environment

Palmki is an officially certified biometric solution for ISPS applications in Belgian ports. This means our technology:

• Complies with ISPS Code guidelines
• Is tested and approved for use in maritime and port environments
• Meets all requirements for traceability, non-transferability, and individualized access

We work closely with port operators, customs, security partners, and government bodies to integrate our technology safely and correctly into existing infrastructures.

Why palm vein biometrics?

Palmki uses palm vein recognition — a unique biometric technology that surpasses traditional access control in both security and convenience.

Practical port integration: use cases

Palmki can be integrated across a wide range of access control needs within port environments:

➤ Terminal access & gates
Employees, contractors, and drivers are granted access only to authorized zones via biometric verification. No more badge number handovers or misuse.

➤ Visitor management & temporary access
Visitors are registered using a dedicated palm scan flow — including automatic logging and time-based access restrictions.

➤ Time registration & compliance reporting
Fully integrated with existing workforce time tracking systems. Palmki connects smoothly to ERP or HR platforms.

➤ Restricted zones / customs areas
Via multi-level access rights and biometric verification, your site complies with ISPS audits and customs inspections.

Palmki in action: proven in belgian ports

Our technology is already in use at various port installations across Belgium. Clients choose Palmki because it:

• Enhances security without disrupting operational flow
• Requires no cards or passwords (nothing to lose or forget)
• Is fully GDPR-compliant and uses secure encryption
• Offers a forward-looking, low-maintenance solution

Full-service guidance

We support your port facility from A to Z:

1. Security audit and risk analysis
2. Technical integration with existing gates or ERP systems
3. Training and support for staff and IT teams
4. ISPS-compliant documentation and audit support

Conclusion: Ready for the future of maritime security

In a sector where safety, control, and reliability are critical, Palmki offers an innovative, certified, and future-proof biometric solution. Our technology meets the strictest ISPS audit requirements, complies with the Belgian Royal Decree on Maritime Security, and makes your port infrastructure secure, efficient, and future-ready.

Choose certainty. Choose Palmki.