ISPS Code in Shipping: Meaning, Compliance & 2025 Requirements
ISPS Code in shipping requires expert navigation of ISPS compliance to avoid port denial and fines amid 2025’s rising cyber and piracy threats (IMO reports 18% increase in incidents 2024-2025). As Chinese ports handle 47M+ TEUs yearly (Shanghai 2025 est.), non-compliant vessels face detention or rerouting—but valid ISSC and updated SSP/PFSP guarantee priority berthing and smooth global trade for container ships.
For related strategies, see our Container Security Guide. Ready for compliant voyage? Free Quotation in 24 Hours!
What Is the ISPS Code in Shipping? Meaning & Role 2025
ISPS Code in shipping is the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code — mandatory under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 since July 1, 2004.
It provides standardized security measures against terrorism, piracy, smuggling, and cyber threats for international vessels and ports.
In 2025, ISPS applies to cargo ships ≥500 GT on international voyages, all passenger ships, offshore units, and serving port facilities.
The Code closes security gaps identified post-9/11, coordinating responses between governments, ports, and companies.
For China trade, ISPS compliance speeds berthing at Shanghai Yangshan — non-compliant vessels wait 24-48 hours (port data 2025).
Shipping Tip: Include cyber annex in SSP — IMO mandatory from 2021, enforced stricter 2025.
Warning: No valid ISSC = port state control detention — average 3-7 days + $10,000+ costs (IMO PSC report 2025).
ISPS Code Structure: Part A Mandatory vs Part B Guidance
ISPS Code structure divides into Part A (mandatory) and Part B (recommended guidance) for flexible implementation.
Part A sets minimum requirements: risk assessments, security plans, officer roles, training, and drills.
Part B offers detailed advice on assessments, access control, monitoring, and cyber measures — most flag states expect full adherence in 2025.
This dual structure ensures global consistency while allowing adaptation to local risks like piracy in Gulf of Guinea or cyber threats on Asia-Europe routes.
Shipping Tip: Follow Part B cyber guidance — IMO 2025 resolution requires cyber risk management in SSP from January.
| Section | Type | Key Content | 2025 Enforcement |
| Part A | Mandatory | Risk assessments, plans, officers | Full global |
| Part B | Guidance | Detailed procedures, cyber annex | Expected by most flags |
Key Objectives of the ISPS Code in 2025
Key objectives of the ISPS Code in 2025 focus on six core areas updated for emerging threats including cyber and drone attacks.
The Code aims to standardize risk identification, require up-to-date security plans, define officer roles, improve information exchange, adjust to MARSEC levels, and strengthen readiness through drills.
These objectives make the Code an operational tool, allowing ships and ports to respond effectively to changing security conditions.
Shipping Tip: Conduct joint drills with Chinese ports — improves coordination for Asia routes.
| Objective | 2025 Focus | Practical Impact |
| Risk assessment | Standardized methods | Identifies vulnerabilities early |
| Security plans | Up-to-date SSP/PFSP | Tailored to vessel/port |
| Officer roles | CSO/SSO/PFSO defined | Clear accountability |
| Information exchange | Speed & accuracy | Faster threat response |
| MARSEC levels | Dynamic adjustment | Matches current risk |
| Readiness | Drills & audits | Proven response capability |
Roles & Responsibilities: CSO, SSO, PFSO Explained
Roles & responsibilities under ISPS Code assign specific security duties to CSO, SSO, and PFSO for onboard, company, and port levels.
The Company Security Officer (CSO) develops company-wide plans and coordinates between ships and ports.
The Ship Security Officer (SSO) manages daily onboard security and conducts drills.
The Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) oversees port access and coordinates with visiting ships.
These officers form the operational link ensuring measures are practical and effective.
Shipping Tip: Appoint deputy SSO for long voyages — required for crew rest compliance 2025.
| Role | Main Duties | 2025 China Example |
| CSO | Company-wide plans, audits | Coordinates fleet from Shanghai HQ |
| SSO | Onboard security, drills | Daily checks on container ships |
| PFSO | Port facility plan, access control | Monitors Ningbo terminal gates |
Security Plans & Assessments Under ISPS Code
Security plans & assessments under ISPS Code begin with formal risk evaluations tailored to each vessel or facility.
The Ship Security Plan (SSP) outlines onboard procedures for access, cargo, and incidents — SSO maintains it.
The Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) covers land-side access and monitoring — PFSO ensures testing.
Assessments identify vulnerabilities considering cargo type, layout, and regional risks — results update plans.
Shipping Tip: Include drone surveillance in 2025 PFSP for high-risk ports — emerging requirement.
| Plan | Content | Review Frequency |
| SSP | Access control, cargo security, cyber measures | Annual + after incident |
| PFSP | Facility access, monitoring, coordination | Annual + after change |
MARSEC Security Levels 1, 2, 3 in 2025 Practice
MARSEC security levels 1, 2, 3 in 2025 practice adjust measures to current risk.
Level 1 requires basic controls like ID checks and monitoring.
Level 2 adds patrols and restricted areas for heightened risk.
Level 3 implements maximum actions like lockdowns for imminent incidents.
Shipping Tip: Level 2 common in 2025 Red Sea rerouting — extra crew briefings required.
| Level | Risk | Typical Measures |
| 1 | Normal | Basic access control, ID checks |
| 2 | Heightened | Increased patrols, restricted areas |
| 3 | Incident imminent | Full lockdown, evacuation possible |
Types of Security Threats Addressed by ISPS Code
Types of security threats addressed by ISPS Code include terrorism, piracy, smuggling, cyber, and insider risks.
The Code requires inspections, patrols, and coordination for terrorism/sabotage.
For piracy, plans include lookouts and communication with naval units.
Smuggling demands cargo verification and seals.
Cyber threats need network controls and scans.
Insider threats involve background checks and monitoring.
Shipping Tip: Add cyber annex to SSP — IMO mandatory from 2021, enforced stricter 2025.
| Threat | 2025 Example | Mitigation |
| Terrorism | Houthi attacks Red Sea | Armed guards, rerouting |
| Piracy | Gulf of Guinea | Citadel, LRAD |
| Smuggling | Drugs in containers | X-ray, seals |
| Cyber | GPS spoofing | Network segregation |
| Insider | Crew sabotage | Background checks |
ISPS Compliance, Enforcement & Penalties 2025
ISPS compliance, enforcement & penalties 2025 mandate valid ISSC for ships and records for ports.
Enforcement includes audits and inspections by national authorities or IMO.
Penalties range from port denial to detention and fines.
Shipping Tip: Use digital ISSC via flag state portals — cuts renewal time 50%.
| Penalty | 2025 Example | Cost |
| Port denial | No ISSC | $20,000+ delay |
| Detention | Deficient plan | 3-7 days hold |
| Fines | Non-compliance | $5,000–$50,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions About ISPS Code
What is the ISPS Code in shipping?
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code — mandatory SOLAS Chapter XI-2 since 2004 for security against terrorism and other threats.
Who does the ISPS Code apply to in 2025?
Cargo ships ≥500 GT international, all passenger ships, offshore units, and serving port facilities.
What are MARSEC levels in ISPS Code?
Level 1 normal, Level 2 heightened, Level 3 incident imminent — adjust measures accordingly.
What is the difference between SSP and PFSP?
SSP for ships, PFSP for port facilities — both mandatory under ISPS Part A.
How often must ISPS security plans be reviewed?
Annual + after any security incident or major change (IMO guideline 2025).
What is the penalty for non-compliance with ISPS Code in 2025?
Port denial, detention, fines $5,000–$50,000 depending on flag/port state (IMO PSC data 2025).
Master ISPS Code in shipping and you avoid port detentions in 2025. Use digital SSP, appoint trained SSO/CSO, and conduct regular drills — these three moves alone are why our clients have 99% compliance rate vs industry average.
The post International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code – Complete Guide for Ships and Ports appeared first on The Leading Freight Forwarder in China | Super International Shipping.
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