Maritime & Port Security

This Issues special focus: Port and Maritime Security:

Maritime terrorism has emerged as a formidable threat in the world, targeting both naval and civilian vessels. In Europe the threat is compounded by the use of maritime vessels and shipping lanes by criminals, who are often in league with terrorists. With the possibility that weapons of mass destruction could be used as a terrorist weapon, efforts to pre-empt such attacks which could causer mass civilian casualties has become a top European Priority, making it necessary for the alliance to expand its maritime frontier. As the stakes are raised Europe must innovate in order to counter the new maritime threats. Also with arrest of several Morrocan,s suspected of involvement with the Madrid blasts, people are asking how safe Europe’s frontiers are.

As a result of this each contracting government is having to conduct a port facility security investment. These security assessments will have three essential components

• Initially they must identify and evaluate important assets and infrastructures
• They must identify the actual threats
• The vulnerability of the port facility must be assessed by identifying its weaknesses in physical security, structural integrity, protection systems, procedural policies, communications systems, transportation infrastructure, utilities and other areas within a port facility that may be a likely target

Maritime security encompasses a wide range of policy sectors, information services and user communities including maritime safety, search and rescue, operational safety for offshore oil and gas production, marine environment monitoring and protection and finally naval operations support

Topics Under Discussion

• Identifying and responding to the threat posed to Ports
• Balancing Security & Commerce
• ISO Supply Chain Security Standards
• Policing and Border Control
• RFID Technology and Intelligence
• Container Terminal Operations
• Security Framework. Regulatory requirements and private initiatives
• Maritime Security Priorities- Does ISPS compliance ensure effective maritime security

Articles

• Rand study warns maritime terrorism risk extends beyond dangers posed to container shipping (Rand Corporation)
• Oceans and Seas: Commission sets a new vision for Integrated Maritime Policy (European Maritime Safety Agency)
• Altobridge Honoured with Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award for its Groundbreaking AM Gateway Platform (Frost & Sullivan)
• Maritime Safety (EurActiv.com)