Maritime and Ports

CBP downgrades importance of container seals; shipping industry relieved
There are two ways to make sure that a freight container arriving at a U.S. port does not contain a nuclear bomb or other destructive cargo: Tamper-seal the container after cargo has been loaded and validated, or scan the contents of the cargo when it arrives at port to see what it contains; DHS has decided to put the cargo-seal rule making on the back burner, for now
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ObjectVideo deploys video analytic software to Port of Texas City
Deal follows on successes with Madrid, Spain and HSARPA, among others; software is able to detect violations of predetermined behavioral rules, allowing fewer employees to cover more ground; video analytics a new but growing field; stronger algorithms will take the industry into the future
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Senate passes port inspection deal; no 100% inspection
The beefed-up port security measure places heavy emphasis on radiation detection at U.S. ports, but Republicans fought off Democrats’ demand to include a mandatory 100% inspection of all U.S.-bound cargo containers; bill also increases funding for rail and land transportation security
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DHS unveils finalists in $1.35 billion nuclear screening contract
DHS has placed three of the usual suspects on the short-list of a $1.35 billion CAARS program to screen for nuclear materials at U.S. seaports and land crossings; the CAARS contracts comes on the heels of $1.16 billion worth of ASP contracts to detect and identify unshielded or lightly shielded nuclear materials
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Lobbyists resist homeland security measures recommended by 9/11 Commission
Farmers fight off ammonium nitrate controls; television station opposes handing over frequency for emergency services; retailers stick to their guns on radiological screening of containers
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WiFi Wireless to begin selling WFSCT cargo security system
Wireless protocol overcomes security concerns; system offers real-time tracking, temperature monitoring, tamper and explosives detection
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L-3 Communications wins Phase II funding for security container
Company’s Advanced Conatiner Security Device relies on sensors to detect breaches, human cargo; thirty prototypes to be tested
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DHS announces delay in TWIC implementation for maritime and port workers
Problem caused by compliance with FIPS 201 standard; required card-swipe readers vulnerable to saltwater corrosion; delay to last at least six months
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The consequences of one nuclear bomb smuggled into a port in a container
A RAND study says that a 10-kiloton nuclear explosion at the Port of Long Beach could kill 60,000 people instantly, expose 150,000 more to hazardous radiation, and cause ten times more economic loss than the 9/11 terrorist attacks
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Port of Freeport to join CSI
The Port of Freeport gained fame earlier this year when the Bush administration was about to sign an agreement with Hutchison Whampoa to conduct nuclear radiation screening of U.S.-bound cargo - without the presence of U.S. personnel; the post has now joined the CSI program
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Jurisdictional squabbles, looming mid-term elections, scuttle port security measures
Disagreements over jurisdiction and the coming November elections threaten to derail port security legislation; of special interest: The 100 percent container inspection clause passed by an overwhelming vote (421-2) in the House – but it is the only clause in the port safety legislation which is adamantly opposed by every part and every component of the shipping industry
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Savi Networks teams with Georgia's MLIC to track cargo
California company helps Georgia ports and terminals with tracking cargo with their real-time monitoring services
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ExxonMobil Massachusetts fuel depot shut down after illegal aliens found working there
Worries about the safety of super tankers carrying oil at Boston Harbor combine with unease about illegal immigration, as more than a dozen illegal immigrants are arrested while being used at the harbor for clean-up of hazardous material (what is more, the subcontractor also violated the law requiring protective gear to be worn during such operation)
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New container security standard organization created
As cargo container security moves to center stage, there is a need for standards to govern the technology and its implementation; a new consortium of industry heavy-weights aims to do just that
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Kvichak/ Manitowoc partnership in $600 million contract to build new Coast Guard boats
A partnership of two ship builders win a coveted $600 million contract to replace the aging fleet of the U.S. Coast Guard (240 of its boats entered service more than 30 years ago); the new boat design — by a Scottish design company — will allow the boats both to withstand stormy seas and give chase at 50 mph
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