Posted on 02/24/2006 11:07:33 PM PST by endthematrix
The U.S. Public Port Industry
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) represents more than 80 public authorities in the United States. These state, county and city government agencies own and develop seaport facilities to handle both domestic and international maritime commerce being imported to or exported from the United States. U.S. ports and waterways handle more than 2.5 billion tons of trade annually. The majority of our nation’s overseas cargo flows through AAPA member ports’ facilities.
While some public ports operate their own cargo terminals, many serve as “landlord” ports, leasing portions of their facilities to private terminal operating companies. While some of the private companies operating terminals in the United States are U.S. corporations, many are non-U.S. businesses that operate terminals worldwide or are affiliated with the foreign flag steamship lines that carry the cargo. All terminal operators, whether public or private, must comply with Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) and must have facility security plans reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, as indicated below.
Port Security
Port security is the top priority for AAPA members. Protecting this vital part of our transportation infrastructure is critical to our nation’s economic growth and vitality.
The federal government takes the lead in protecting America’s ports. The Department of Homeland Security, primarily through the activities of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard, run many programs to secure our ports. The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for maritime security and reviewing and approving security plans for vessels, port facilities and port areas which are required by the MTSA. Customs and Border Protection is responsible for cargo security, and screens and inspects cargo entering the U.S. through every U.S. port.
Other cargo security programs include the Container Security Initiative (inspection of U.S. import cargo by CBP prior to leaving the outbound foreign port), use of radiation detection equipment to screen for weapons of mass destruction, use of other non-intrusive inspection devices, and the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) which encourages maritime stakeholders to verify their security measures. The Port Security Grant program and the pending implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) are also important parts of America’s port security portfolio to provide layered security.
While the federal government takes the lead on waterside and cargo security, overall security is a shared responsibility with port authorities, facility and vessel operators, and state and local police providing additional security. The MTSA also establishes local security committees to evaluate and make improvements in each port.
DP World Acquisition of P&O Ports
P&O Ports is a terminal operating company that operates marine terminal facilities worldwide, including several terminals in the United States owned by public port authorities. Some press accounts have not accurately stated the nature of the business transaction involved or the resulting impact on U.S. port operations. DP World’s purchase of P&O Ports would involve the operation of specific terminals or provision of stevedoring services (vessel loading/unloading) at some ports, but DP World would not “own,” “control,” or “take over” those ports (which would continue to be owned by the port authorities). DP World would not be solely responsible for facility security at any of the involved terminals, and the federal government would continue to be primarily responsible for maritime and cargo security.
AAPA has not taken a position on the issue.
Great, bookmarked and BTTT
My suggestion to the scardy cats who are afraid the UAE won't like us? They should stop acting so desperate. It's not attractive.
If is bad to have DPW operate cargo terminals in the US why would it be OK to accept shipments from DPW operated cargo terminals overseas where we have even less control?
vetted by uncle louie, maybe...
Hoffa was on the radio here in LA the other morning talking abouthe Dubai situation and I would trust him either... Scum bag
This is why I think this development -- all the attention being paid to the DPW deal -- is good, because it also shines a light on port security. We need to question the Chinese government owning port operations on the west coast as well.
I like it when truth comes out. It's messy but we finally need to face the ways in which we can improve homeland security, and actually do it. I do not blame the administration per se for making this deal. Congress should keep themselves informed of these things also; so they were falling down as watch dogs, too.
Fox reports today that DHS originally nixed the deal. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,186044,00.html
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