Maritime and Ports

SRI to open new facility in Tampa, Florida
California-based SRI will tomorrow open a new research facility in Tampa, Florida; the company says that the many organizations in the area doing marine research will help it in developing maritime security technologies – among them underwater sensors to improve security at U.S. ports, which the company describes as the “soft underbelly of the soft underbelly” of the United States; SRI is also active in luring other technology companies to the Tampa area for the purpose of creating a technology cluster there.
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U.K. forwarders “not surprised” by U.S. climbdown on 100 percent container scanning
U.K. shippers say that rather than push back the deadline for 100 percent screening, as requested by DHS, the U.S. government ought to undertake a pragmatic review of the whole 100 percent screening initiative and create a revised program on a risk assessed, commercially practical, and technologically feasible basis
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The solution for Jamaican ports’ security problems: Change the scanners; consolidate security duties
Security in Jamaica’s ports has suffered as a result of antiquated scanning equipment and the fragmentation of security responsibilities; the director of customs want to make changes on both fronts
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DHS looks to tamper-proof cargo containers
DHS has been looking into many different technologies to protect U.S. boarders since 9/11. Now, the department is looking to the for ideas to help enhance security where some argue it is needed most — down by the docks.
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GAO finds large gaps in 100 percent container scanning
GAO says that CBP has made but “limited progress” in implementing the 100 percent container scanning mandate; CBP has not been able to achieve 100 percent scanning at any participating port; it has scanned a majority at some low-volume ports but only about 5 percent at the larger ports.
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Rockefeller wants container scanning mandate reconsidered
DHS secretary Janet Napolitano: “The costs of 100 percent scanning are very steep, especially in a down economy…. DHS equipment costs alone will be about $8 million for every one of the more than 2,100 shipping lanes at the more than 700 ports that ship to the United States.”
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Using rope to fight pirates
New antipiracy device uses compressed air to fire a plastic cylinder containing either a coiled rope or net up to a range of 400 meters; the coiled line of net or rope, which has a parachute attached to the end, will unravel and lay out across the surface of the water; as a pirate boat travels through the water its propeller shaft will pick up the line and become entangled
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Rockefeller targets container security
The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia) said this week he is working in partnership with DHS inspector general to update current port security procedures better to protect against biological and chemical threats
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Small business alliance enters homeland security arena
A group of companies formed the Strategic Security Alliance to increase the visibility of its member firms and make them more competitive in the homeland and maritime security markets
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Growth of Middle East ports means growth in demand for security
Rapid expansion of terminal capacity and new seaports to create growth opportunities in the Middle East maritime security market
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Panelists call for more investment in anti-piracy technology
Experts on a panel at the International Maritime Museum of Hamburg call for more investment in anti-piracy technology, and for greater coordination among trading nations to address the threat of piracy
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Port Manatee receives $1 million for security
Tampa Bay-area port receives stimulus package funds to improve port security
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Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach receive $15.3 million in security grants
Grants to help improve security at ports, support implementation of TWIC program; the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach account for more imports and exports traffic than any other U.S. port
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Tutor Perini receives USCG contract
Leading civil construction company awarded a Coast Guard contract with maximum value of $500 million
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Gallagher PowerFence system secures Ports of Auckland
A key factor in the decision to install a PowerFence system was that it is an intelligent system; it consists of independent fence zones which can be uniquely identified to accurately detect attack attempts to facilitate a fast appropriate response
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