Addressing delegates attending the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) FAL43, ISSA Secretary Sean Moloney stated that port authorities are not cooperating with ship suppliers and not adhering to the ISPS Code.
He said the ISSA wanted to “respectfully draw to the Committee’s attention the lack of co-operation by Port Authorities in many places with ship suppliers.
“Daily our members – and we are sure non-members also suffer similar obstruction – encounter unwarranted delays, unworkable time slots for stores deliveries and absurdly high charges by some ports simply to allow a stores truck to enter and go about its lawful business.”
He said that port rules go against what is set out in the ISPS Code and are having an “adverse impact on ship operations” as cargo flow is being disrupted.
The ISSA has requested that Member States be sent a reminder to treat ship supply properly, under the terms set out in the ISPS Code.
“Furthermore, we ask that Member States remind their relevant departments that the ISPS Code is not to be considered as a money-making venture but a co-ordinated legal framework which has very successfully protected ports and ships globally from any harm as a result of security breaches,” Mr Moloney added.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
