A huge and ambitious global undertaking

Governments are gradually establishing maritime security infrastructures and in due course we will see a gradual improvement in port security and for seafarers. There are some ports that have addressed security in a structured, diligent manner. They are starting to see benefits from this approach. In our experience ports with effective and efficient security are usually effective and efficient in all their business operations.

Furthermore, by adopting a holistic approach to security, opportunities for rationalisation of operations and increased efficiencies can emerge. Spin-off benefits that we see are better workforce control, closer cooperation between agencies, terminal operators and port authorities, and increased safety.

Finally, the importance of government leadership – at national and local level – is critical to achieving robust, practical and sustainable security, and efforts in ports must be matched with cross-border cooperation on security matters, the development of national alertness and well-crafted policies to inhibit the breeding of terrorism and the growth of crime.