Seaport Employees Can Help Stop Human Trafficking
As much of the world has turned its attention to the COVID-19 pandemic, the illegal crime of human trafficking has been able to flourish. Keep Reading
More than $369M of Narcotics Seized by CBP Cincinnati During Fiscal Year 2020
In Fiscal Year 2020, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized nearly 830,000 pounds of drugs. CBP officers nationwide intercepted shipments of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana and other common narcotics. Keep Reading
Royal Navy Called in as ‘Hijacking’ Incident Reported off U.K. Coast
A number of stowaways had made violent threats towards the crew. It is not known if they were armed but reports say they had smashed glass and threatened to kill crew members. Keep Reading
DOT Announces $220 Million Funding for Ports
More than $220 million in discretionary grant funding will improve port facilities in 15 states and territories through the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program. Keep Reading
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Stronger Collaboration Urged to Confront ‘Vexing’ Maritime Cybersecurity Threats
COVID-19 pandemic has "accelerated" awareness of the importance of the critical supply chain and cyber vulnerabilities. Keep Reading
Turkish Nationals Attempt to Smuggle £1 Million in Trucks
More than £1m has been recovered from two trucks trying to leave the U.K. The money was concealed in the refrigerated motor housing of both vehicles on September 4 at the port of Dover. Keep Reading
Frontex K9 Team Helps Spain Find Drugs Worth EUR 26 Million
A Frontex canine team from Portugal has assisted the Spanish authorities to confiscate record 4.6 tonnes of hashish with a street value of EUR 26 million at the port of Algeciras. Keep Reading
Could it Happen Here? The Risk of Dangerous Cargo
Those who wonder whether a chemical explosion like the one that leveled the port of Beirut and killed more than 100 could happen in the U.S. should consider what happened one spring day in 1947 in the port of Texas City, Texas. Keep Reading
Port Manatee Receives Federal Funding to Enhance Security
The funding will allow the port to update and expand its video security and surveillance system; replace perimeter fencing; procure and service upgraded radio communications equipment; and replace the engine of the port’s shallow-water response vessel. Keep Reading
CBP Officers Recover 40 Stolen Vehicles at Savannah Seaport
Some of the vehicles were obtained from car dealerships using fraudulent identities and stolen credit cards, while others were taken via fraud from rental car companies. Keep Reading
Coronavirus
Ports Central to Security of Supply
The importance of maritime transport in maintaining security of supply has been highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic, says Ville Haapasaari, CEO of the Port of Helsinki. Keep Reading
Genasys Inc Receives International Navy and Port Security Orders
Genasys Inc has announced $1.5 million in international naval and port security orders from clients in Europe and the Middle East. Keep Reading
Dublin Port Awards Security Contract to Manguard Plus
Manguard Plus Limited has been awarded the security contract for the Dublin Port Company. The contract will run for an initial three years and is worth in excess of €6 million. Keep Reading
Call for GAO to Investigate Security Inconsistencies at Ports
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters and Rep. Tim Walberg have called on the federal Government Accountability Office to study inconsistencies in cargo screening standards. Keep Reading
Workshop Explores Solving Maritime Threats from Ashore
Maritime security threats are not solved at sea. The majority need to be primarily addressed ashore, with ports playing a key part in the solution. This was the basis of a new national workshop on maritime security risk management piloted by the International Maritime Organization. Keep Reading
Maritime Administration Announces More Than $280 Million in Grants for Nation’s Ports
The Port Infrastructure Development Program supports efforts by ports and industry stakeholders to improve facility and freight infrastructure to ensure our nation’s freight transportation needs, present and future, are met. Keep Reading
New U.K. Government Guide Addresses ‘Increasingly Complex’ Cybersecurity at Maritime Ports
The new guide provides advice on measures including cyber security assessments and plans for important assets, how to handle security breaches, and having the correct governance structures, roles, responsibilities and processes. Keep Reading
Ports Must Prioritize Cybersecurity Now in Complex, Critical Threat Landscape, Warns EU
As maritime industry increasingly will "rely more on technologies to be more competitive, comply with some standards and policies and optimize operations, this brings new stakes and challenges" in cybersecurity. Keep Reading
Coast Guard Certifies Port Manatee’s Security Training Program
Port Manatee’s facility security officer training program – the only such approved course offered by a U.S. seaport – has earned new certification from the U.S. Coast Guard. Keep Reading
Seattle to Replace Air and Sea Travel Documents with Facial Recognition by 2021
Feedback from two study sessions is helping to shape a motion to ensure proper safeguards when biometric technology is used on travelers and visitors at its facilities. The Port of Seattle Commission will consider the motion at its December 10, 2019 public meeting. Keep Reading