Gulf ports urged to invest in technology to combat maritime security threats

Ports have a crucial role in ensuring the security of the region's maritime industry, including the 12,000 vessels a year that pass through the Straits of Hormuz, he emphasised.

"A vessel is manned by 20 non-military seafarers. The port has access to all resources in the world. A ship loading or discharging can neither run nor fight, so the onus is on the ports to provide a safe haven."

Capt McKelvie was speaking in advance of APTS Middle East 2005, the region's only integrated conference and exhibition to focus exclusively on the key challenges facing port, airport and transport terminals, which will be held in Dubai in March. At the event he will update delegates on how the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is being implemented by GCC port authorities.

According to Capt McKelvie, the ISPS mandatory security measures place too much onus on ships to assure their security and that of ports.

"The ISPS code is a little upside down. To put the weight on the ships is unrealistic. Only those ports who are actively involved and who have the wherewithal and, most importantly, the will to improve security will make the difference," he said.

"However, we must introduce some level of balance. The safest most secure vessel is in dry dock. The safest most secure port is empty of ships and cargo. Total security would cripple commerce. The compromise is a port system which works with each port state navy to provide real and genuine security to all vessels entering, leaving, alongside and at anchor."

Organised by International Business Events (IBE) - a leading provider of business-to-business events worldwide - APTS Middle East 2005 will be held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai from March 14-15.

At the heart of APTS Middle East will be a high-level Maritime Security Conference that will offer in-depth analysis of port and maritime security and will be attended by ship owners, port owners and managers and representatives from law enforcement and government agencies and suppliers from the international maritime community.

"The highly focused conference will analyse the threats to transport security and safety, with a focus on policy, innovation and best practice in countering the threats worldwide," said David Wood, Managing Director, IBE.

Running alongside the conference, the event's exhibition will provide an opportunity for companies, at the forefront of maritime security technology, to showcase the latest product and service solutions. These will include screening and detection equipment, CCTV and other surveillance systems, new and emerging technologies, personnel identification and verification and access control devices and baggage handling systems.

The main supporters of APTS Middle East are Dubai Ports Authority and the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai. Other supporters include the Dubai Shipping Agents Association (DSAA); the Nautical Institute, the Society of Maritime Industries; Ports and Terminals Group, UK; UK Trade and Investment; L3 Communications; Rapiscan; LG; International Security Industry Organization; The Association of Police and Public Security Suppliers; Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO); Royal Aeronautical Society, UK; British Airports Group;.