Abstract Due to this position close to the plasma, the port plug structure and the diagnostic first wall (DFW) contain water to allow cooling during operation and for heating during bake-out. To remove the heat coming from the plasma due to radiation and neutrons, the pressure inside these structures should be up to 44 bars. On the other hand, the dominant load expected to drive the design of these structures is of electromagnetic origin during the plasma disruption. Description of the loads acting on DFWs and generic port plug structures and the significance of the load due to the water pressure, with implications on the design and inspection, are discussed in this paper.