Security challenges in the port of Koper: The status quo and recommendations

The Port of Koper (Luka Koper) is a vital transport hub for Central and Southeast Europe. This paper shall provide a closer look at the Port of Koper and its security. First, a historical overview and the geo-economic ambitions of the port are presented, followed by a concise review of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code; the Port of Koper, like most global sea ports around the world, must comply with the ISPS Code. The Port of Koper's security governance will then be explored. Finally, an ethnographic study on port security in the Port of Rotterdam (Eski, 2015) shall be discussed, leading to key recommendations for the Port of Koper in advancing its security. The Port of Koper aims to make security services responsible for specific port security tasks, through which multi-agency policing of the port is established, and by applying security technologies more intensively. The recommendations will point out that the Port of Koper must be aware of specific multi-agency policing-related challenges and how "the human element" might react to an increase in security technologies.