Maritime and Ports

U.S., Jordan align cargo security standards
The new arrangement will enhance compatibility between Jordanian and U.S. cargo security programs
- Read more
China in campaign to impriove coastal water, inland waterways security
China has a long coast and many rivers and canals; there are about 200,000 boats and ship plowing these waters, the the Chinese authorities want them to be able to communicate more effectively with security and law enforcement; U.K. company helps
- Read more

Scientists scan boats for radiation
Scientists from several national labs collect radiation data in Puget Sound with help form nationwide program
- Read more
French security firm in anti-piracy protection contract
The lawless waters off the coast of lawless Somalia have offered pirates lucrative targets; the nominal Somali government contracts a French security firm to introduce some order and security in the country’s territorial water
- Read more

DHS: 2012 deadline for U.S.-bound cargo screening unrealistic
DHS says that Congressionally mandated deadline for 100 percent inspection of U.S.-bound cargo containers is unrealistic; what is more, it is unnecessary
- Read more
School of Robofish forms basis for underwater robot teams
Most ocean robots require periodic communication with scientist or satellite intermediaries to share information, but new robots can work cooperatively communicating only with each other
- Read more

U.S. military shoots downs SCUD-like target missile in test
Lockheed Martin successfully tests sea-based missile interceptor; defending ships against missile attacks would be useful in the Persian Gulf, among other hot spots
- Read more
DHS launches 3 transportation initiatives
The Global Entry pilot program, the Passenger Service Program, and an expanded Model Ports Initiative, intended to strengthen customer service at U.S. ports of entry
- Read more

Port worker ID program faces more delays
TWIC faces more delays: The help line at Lockheed Martin, the contractor in charge of implementing the post security program, take on average 16 minutes to answer calls — and government studies that most callers hang up after an average wait of eight minutes
- Read more
Surveillance systems for Singapore
The Port of Singapore is the world’s largest container transshipment hub, handling around 27 million containers last year; U.K. CCTV company wins large contract to secure the port
- Read more

Investigators find gaps in port security program
GAO finds flaws in DHS’s Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program; a 2005 GAO report found many of the companies were receiving the reduced cargo scrutiny without the required full vetting by DHS; there were some improvements, but much remains to be done
- Read more
Autonomous underwater vehicle demonstration
Partnership Runs Deep - this is the name of the 2008 AUV expo and demonstration beginning today in Rhode Island; technologies for all aspects of underwater operations will be discussed and demonstrated
- Read more

Ballast-free cargo ship design to reduce invasion of non-native species
As worries about non-native species invading the great Lakes mount, Wolverines researchers develop ballast-free cargo ship design; at least 185 non-native aquatic species have been identified in the Great Lakes, and ballast water is blamed for the introduction of most
- Read more
Egypt installs CCTVs along Suez Canal
A small motor boat approached an American cargo ship, chartered by the U.S. Navy, sailing through the Suez Canal; after the small boat refused to turn away and kept approaching, warning shots were fired, killing one Egyptian; the canal authorities now install CCTVs along the waterway
- Read more
Florida port deploys Coda Octopus's Underwater Inspection System
Coda Octopus UIS uses Coda Echoscope, a real time 3D sonar technology; port’s public safety and bomb squad divers will be using the system on their small patrol vessels
- Read more

More headlines