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Don’t demonize cooperative allies in the war on terror, says port group

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia - 04/03/06 - Congress should work to pass comprehensive legislation that enhances port security without punishing international businesses that operate marine terminals domestically and overseas, according to the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).

Responding to the furor surrounding the Dubai Ports World (DPW) deal, the organization said the role played by ports in the US economy is "crucial" and warned against recent legislative proposals that could lead to severe economic and trade consequences.

Effective port security "requires a complex system of technologies, screening, management and common sense," according to Susan Monteverde, the AAPA's vice president of government relations.

"Primary responsibility for port security rests with the federal government and requires the cooperation of all port-related organizations," she said.

The AAPA, she added, "supports a thorough, intelligence-based and transparent federal government review of foreign mergers, acquisitions and takeovers that impact US port terminals to ensure there are no national security concerns."

The organization strongly opposes any blanket ban on foreign companies operating in US ports. However, whether domestic or foreign-owned, all marine terminal operators in the US must comply with federal security regulations.

"Given the international nature of our economy and the role of the ports, it makes no sense to target foreign-based firms that have a proven track record of compliance and cooperation," said AAPA President Kurt Nagle.

AAPA recommends a risk-based scanning and inspection policy for cargo containers, and believes "as much as that as possible should take place overseas," and is seeking at least $400 million a year in federal funds to invest in the physical security of US port facilities, including improved lighting, checkpoints, perimeter protection, communications systems, and costs for operations, maintenance, and security personnel.

The organization is working with Congress to pass legislation that enhances cargo and supply chain security measures, and provides much-needed funding for port facility enhancements.

Virtually all of California's deep-water ports including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, San Diego, Stockton, Hueneme, and Redwood City are members of the AAPA. The group, with some 450 members in Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the US, is the largest port industry group in the world.

The AAPA recently issued a statement applauding several members of Congress including California Representatives Dan Lungren and Jane Harmon, who have introduced port security legislation supported by the organization.

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