$1m grant for Port Canaveral security projects

Florida’s Port Canaveral will use the $999,101 grant award to implement multiple security projects at the port, including upgrading security hardware, deploying new technologies and cyber security enhancements around the port.

“Port Canaveral is a vital gateway for commerce, tourism and trade. Last year, nearly 5m cruise passengers were served and 6m tons of cargo moved across our docks,” said Captain John Murray, chief executive officer at Canaveral Port Authority.

“This grant will help us to further enhance our capabilities and commitment to port security and ensure the safety of passengers, cargo, visitors and employees.”

Technology intelligence

The port plans to use technology for verifying Transportation Worker Identification Credentials to align with soon-to-be upgraded United States Coast Guard security regulations.

The Port Security Grant Program is a competitive grant programme authorised by Congress to support improvement of port-wide maritime security risk management; enhance maritime domain awareness; support maritime security training and exercises; and to maintain or re-establish maritime security mitigation protocols that support port recovery and resiliency capabilities.

Funding is made available by the US Department of Homeland Security and administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Port Canaveral is one of thirty-three US ports to have been awarded direct grants by FEMA for the fiscal year 2017.