Security: Baltimore, Manatee

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The Port of Baltimore was selected as the winner in the category of Most Notable Seaport Security Program (Port Initiative) in Government Security News magazine’s 2014 Airport/Seaport/Border Security Awards. Port Manatee will use a $1,837,500 federal port security grant to move forward with three significant projects.

Port of Baltimore Wins National Security Award

The Port of Baltimore was selected as the winner in the category of Most Notable Seaport Security Program (Port Initiative) in Government Security News magazine’s 2014 Airport/Seaport/Border Security Awards. It was specifically recognized for the following security enhancements: 

• A remote-controlled submersible vehicle that secures the port’s public marine terminals and also has the ability to detect improvised explosive devices on ships.
• An underwater intrusion detection system that can detect underwater attempts to attack ships.
• Closed-circuit television of the public marine terminals.
• The E-Modal Trucker Check which requires all companies and drivers transporting cargo to pre-register in an automated software system prior to arriving at the public marine terminals. 

"Gov. O’Malley challenged us to become one of the most secure ports in the U.S. and through these and other security initiatives in place, we have done that," said Maryland Port Administration Executive Director James J. White. "Through the help of our federal, state and local security partners, the Port of Baltimore today has a network of comprehensive security initiatives in place that begin well before any cargo arrives, continues through its time at our port, and right through the time it leaves our port for worldwide destinations."

Government Security News established the awards program to recognize and salute organizations for "cutting edge technologies that continue to strengthen the security of airports, seaports and borders."

Port Manatee Awarded $1.8 Million-Plus Security Grant, Facilitating Advancement of Three Major Projects

Port Manatee has been awarded a $1,837,500 security grant, allowing the port to proceed with these three projects: 

• South Gate modernization, to enable safe and efficient handling of project cargo and processing of all cargo and vehicle data at the South Gate.
• Upgrades and new equipment for the Port Security Emergency Communication Center, to enhance coordination during emergency events.
• Purchase of new geographic information system, or GIS, software to actively manage traffic patterns, as well as better identify and plan critical infrastructure. 

The grant requires a 25 percent funding match by the port.

"We are thankful to receive full funding to enhance security at Port Manatee as it is crucial in continuing the growth of the port," said David St. Pierre, Port Manatee’s director of seaport security. "This grant will help us promote the safe and efficient movement of cargo, as well as pave the way for new projects."