In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the US government and allies around the world realized the impact of a terrorist attack on the world economy should a major port be destroyed, or if terrorists began to utilize the maritime industry to fund their efforts through pirating or exploiting open trade and creating an entry point for weapons into the United States.
95 Percent of all International Trade Passes through the 361 of the US Ports.
As a result, it's no surprise that in 2002 Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), and the International Marine Organization adopted a new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Amendments 2002.
Impact of Terrorism
Security experts warn about the vulnerability of U.S. ports to a terrorist attack. Terrorists could use one of the millions of cargo containers that enter the country each year through our 361 ports to smuggle a nuclear, chemical or biological weapon. According to a 2002 Brookings Institute study, if a weapon of mass destruction were shipped via container and detonated at a port, the economic damage to the global economy would be in the ballpark of a trillion dollars.
Essential trade to and from the U.S. would also be severely impeded. Not only would the port be affected, but so would the transportation infrastructure (i.e., bridges, railroads, and highways) within the port limits further exacerbating the disruption and damage.
The Goal
Assessing and correcting vulnerabilities and specifying corrective measures to the international shipping companies with a focus on protecting the U.S. ports.
The Problem
The goal to assess and correct vulnerabilities disrupts a port's daily operations—unfortunately, the security solutions developed to date do not succeed with achieving that objective.
Estimated 1,117 Percent Increase in Port Security Costs over the Next 10 Years. MTSA authorized the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue grants to U.S. port operators and port authorities to install cargo screening devices and other measures necessary to upgrade security. During the first several rounds of funding, approximately $600M was appropriated; however, over the next 10 years that number is estimate to exceed $7.3B.
The Costs
Through fees and assessments, the shipping industry is expected to cover this infinitely growing burden. As world events continue unfolding and additional requirements are defined by the U.S. and IMO, the shipping industry and ports around the world face an ongoing dilemma—funding and implementing port security while maintaining daily operations and efficiencies will prove to be a much onerous task.
Broad and Layered Response
A proactive approach that integrates surveillance, access control, tracking, detection, and funding to deter acts of terrorism is the only logical approach for the maritime industry. Beginning at point of origination with continuous monitoring throughout the journey to the destination and entrance into the U.S. or other foreign ports will be imperative in the prevention of threats and maintaining ongoing operations and flow of cargo.
InfrAegis' approach to port security is a comprehensive layered system—ensuring no gaps a terrorist can exploit. The system includes IA's Spreader Bars and Vehicle/Pedestrian/Rail Detection System which incorporates IA's Nuclear/Radiological Isotope Detection System as well as the Computer-Aided Trace Detection System (CATD).
IA's comprehensive layer system of port security of tracking people, goods, and vessels begins at the point of origination with continuous monitoring throughout the journey to the destination and entrance into the U.S. or other foreign ports—securing the entire supply chain. This approach prevents threats and maintains daily operations and flow of cargo through technology and shared information.
We integrate all aspects of port security ensuring all ISPS and IMO standards are met into our layer approach.
Our comprehensive layered system is scalable to any size port. We also introduce our security measures without compromising the functionality, integrity, and integration of existing port operations.