IRU Position on the interoperability of port access cards, (2006)

The IRU highlights that the European Modular Concept offers a number of advantages such as increased efficiency, the possibility to transport the same load with fewer vehicles, increased capacity and compatibility with other freight modes, less fuel consumption, reduced CO2 emissions and reduced road wear due to a higher number of axles and a reduced weight per axle. Nevertheless, the concept may not be applicable throughout the EU at this stage. The IRU therefore encourages EU Member States to undertake proper tests with thThe 2004 Regulation on enhancing ship and port facility security aims to protect ships and ports against acts of terrorism. In line with this, all sea ports and river terminals must implement an access control system, although most of these ports choose to use an ID card. The IRU is aware of the need to enhance transport security but considers port access identification systems as inefficient, since they ignore the balance between security and facilitation making the access more complicated and expensive.