In the strategic planning processes of the Flemish ports, (the vision of) the development and implementation of the spatial planning of the seaport and the surrounding area has a central place. However, its planning and implementation was directed exclusively from a port and public works perspective. Spatial planning was limited to establishing the necessary zoning in the regional spatial plan. The one-sided infrastructural approach to port development is being broadened, mainly under the impulse of spatial planning, to a more integrated approach to port policy planning. What’s more, spatial planning and spatial planners play a prominent role in the current strategic planning processes and provide direction in (a few) seaports for the implementation of the strategic options.