New security at Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach (PoLB) on Tuesday said security continues to be a high priority as it outlined its latest security initiatives including surveillance and monitoring technology, new inspection methods, and first-responder training, Ship & Bunker reports.
The Port, which moves $155 billion in goods each year, says it has been focused on security over the past decade since the 9/11 attacks.
PoLB said it is implementing a "virtual port system" that collects real-time surveillance data from 130 cameras to provide a comprehensive picture for port staff and law enforcement.
A high-energy mobile scanning technology which the Port said was like "an x-ray device on wheels" can penetrate 12 inches of steel and allows federal inspectors non-intrusive inspection of high-risk cargo, detect weapons and explosives, and to help stop the flow of contraband.
The Port said it is modernising two fire stations and acquiring two high-tech fireboats having secured an $18 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the design and purchase of one of the fireboats.
In collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles and the Marine Exchange of Southern California, the port is also getting new vessel traffic management equipment to help with small boat detection, harbor navigation and operations.
The port, which has received $120 million in security grants since 2001, has budgeted nearly $34 million for security and safety infrastructure in the fiscal year starting in October, including expansion of a fiber optic network, cameras, fencing, and lighting.
Last year, the port received the GSN Homeland Security Award for the "Most Notable Maritime/Seaport Security Program" for its integration of security technology monitoring activity above, under and on water, including its fiber optic cable system.
The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest seaport in the United States and the 18th busiest container cargo port in the world, handling 6 million TEUs in 2011, according to its website.
