The public marine terminals in the Port of Baltimore owned and managed by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), have received an excellent security assessment from the U.S. Coast Guard for the sixth consecutive year. The Mississippi State Port Authority on October 24 unveiled its new $2 million security gate complex at the Port of Gulfport.

Baltimore’s Public Marine Terminal Security Again Rated ‘Excellent' by the U.S. Coast Guard 

The public marine terminals in the Port of Baltimore owned and managed by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), have received an excellent security assessment from the U.S. Coast Guard for the sixth consecutive year. The Coast Guard Sector Baltimore comprehensive security examination included the MPA’s Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, facilities South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal) facilities, as well as the Fairfield and Masonville auto terminals. 

"The efforts MPA has made to renovate facilities while also establishing more effective security risk mitigation strategies has demonstrated your continued dedication to securing your facilities," said U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Kevin C. Keifer in a letter to MPA Executive Director James J. White. "Your staff’s proficiency and firm commitment to security at all of your port facilities led to a positive assessment of the United States from the European Commission." 

Accompanying the Coast Guard during this year’s inspection were representatives from the European Commission (EC), who were conducting a review of the U.S. enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Baltimore was the first reciprocal visit under a Mutual Recognition Agreement between the United States and the EC. 

During the past few years, the MPA has implemented many security improvements with federal security grants and state matching funds, including:

• Installing security cameras, access gate barriers and waterside intrusion detection at the cruise terminal.
• Establishing a new access control center that creates better efficiencies for marine terminal entry points.
• Implementing real-time video surveillance.
• Becoming one of the first major U.S. ports to require the federally-mandated Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Installing a state-of-the-art entry system for trucks at the Dundalk Marine Terminal that includes: a gate pass system for cargo trucks, video cameras on the inbound and outbound lanes, and an intercom system between the truck lanes and a gate security building.
• Enhancing perimeter fencing and radiation portal monitors that check all containers leaving the Port by truck for radioactivity. 

The Mississippi State Port Authority on October 24 unveiled its new $2 million security gate complex at the Port of Gulfport.

The facility features three inbound and three outbound lanes and will serve as the West Pier Terminal security gate. Previously, this entrance had only one inbound and one outbound lane.

"This complex represents a significant improvement in the way we process vehicles into and out of the port," said MSPA Executive Director and CEO Jonathan Daniels. "It’s an important piece in our ongoing efforts to restore and improve the port, as well as prepare for future growth and increased cargo volumes."

The $2 million complex was partially funded by through the federal Port Security Grant Program.