(Canadian Transportation & Logistics) Terminal operators, vessel operators, port associations, shippers and other stakeholders responsible for handling the eight million cargo containers that enter the
U.S. each year have announced that they are joining together as the Coalition for Secure Ports to advocate for enhanced maritime security.
The Coalition will immediately initiate a campaign to educate
policymakers and the public on steps that have been taken to improve port and cargo chain security since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as identify actions that the government, in cooperation with private sector
stakeholders, can take now to further improve the security of the nation's marine transportation system, said a statement.
"Today's ports, vessels, and the entire marine transportation system are more secure
than before 9/11 due to the concerted efforts of government, the private sector, and our international trade partners," said Basil Maher, President and COO of Maher Terminals and President of the National
Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE). ".. Over 95 percent of the nation's import cargo moves through America's 361 seaports each year, and the maritime industry contributes more than one trillion dollars to
America's annual GDP. We need to continue to make smart, sophisticated, technology-based improvements to ensure the security of this system."
The Coalition will focus its efforts on three important steps
necessary to achieve its goal of strengthening port security: 1) Requiring enhanced cargo information, for example, knowing the contents of each cargo container before it enters this country; 2) Monitoring the location
and security of containers in transit; and 3) Implementing a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to ensure that the identity of individuals with access to cargo can be verified reliably and
expediently.
The Coalition will also work to ensure that policymakers are aware of the progress that has already been made to marine cargo security, and avoid actions that merely impede the flow of commerce,
creating a false sense of security without delivering real container security.
For more information and to view a list of coalition members, please visit the Coalition's web site: http://www.secureports.org. |
|
