Safety at Gävle hamn
Security is a core part of our operations. Port of Gävle is designated as a protected site and is subject to international and national port security regulations. This means that specific procedures apply for access, photography, and the handling of cargo.
Protected site
Port of Gävle is designated as a civil protected site under the Swedish Protection Act and as a maritime and port security area under the Swedish Maritime Security Act.
The purpose of a protected site is to strengthen security and provide enhanced legal protection against sabotage, terrorism, espionage and aggravated robbery.
Unauthorised access to the protected site is prohibited. This prohibition also applies when using unmanned aircraft systems (drones). The same access rules apply within facilities covered by maritime security.
All protected areas are fenced and clearly marked with signage. By specific decision, the access prohibition is combined with a photography ban – it is not permitted to take images, make depictions, descriptions or measurements of, or within, the protected site.
The area is monitored by security guards acting on behalf of the Port Authority at Port of Gävle. They are authorised to refuse entry, conduct personal searches, and inspect equipment, materials and vehicles.
Anyone seeking access is required, upon request, to state their name, date of birth and place of residence, and to comply with the checks deemed necessary.
If the port is your workplace and you require an access pass, or if you visit the port as a contractor/supplier for an extended period or on a frequent basis, a background check against criminal records will be carried out in accordance with the Swedish Protective Security Act (2018:585, Chapter 2, Section 4). This is done to assess trustworthiness from a security perspective and to protect access to security-sensitive operations.
Only commercial vessels are permitted to call at Port of Gävle and are granted access through an approved vessel notification in accordance with the port regulations.
Port Security (ISPS)
Port of Gävle is subject to EU and UN requirements for maritime security under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
This means that the port area is protected through measures such as:
- Access control
- Requirements for an access pass or pre-notification
- ID checks and random inspections
The ISPS rules require each relevant port facility to have a designated Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) and an approved Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). In accordance with security plans approved by the Swedish Transport Agency, Port of Gävle conducts background checks to ensure that individuals within the port area are assessed as reliable from a security perspective.
Security Levels
There are three port security levels under the ISPS framework. The measures applied at each level are defined in a security plan. Security plans in their entirety are subject to confidentiality.
- Level 1: Normal – Standard security measures apply in accordance with the port’s approved security plan.
- Level 2: Heightened – Additional checks are carried out. Further security measures are introduced and expanded in line with the approved security plan.
- Level 3: Exceptional – Access to the port area is severely restricted.
Port of Gävle is currently operating at Security Level 1.
Access to the Port Area
- Everyone working within the port area must wear a visible access pass and be able to present a valid form of identification.
- All visitors must be pre-registered and able to present valid identification.
- Everyone must follow the port’s applicable rules of order and traffic regulations.
All individuals applying for an access pass to the port area undergo a background check.
Photography and Filming
Photography, filming and any other form of image capture in and near the port area are prohibited without specific authorisation. The prohibition covers all forms of documentation, including drone/UAS operations and sketches.
If you need to take photos or record video as part of your operations, please contact the Security Department directly.
The Security Department normally responds within 72 hours with a decision. For urgent requests, contact: .
Legal basis: Swedish Protection Act (2010:305). Breaches may result in fines or imprisonment.
