Security Barriers for Oil Tankers Removed from Port Everglades
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An August 11th News Alert on the Port Everglades WEB site warns potential port visitors about the possibility of increased inspections and longer delays at the Port’s Access Control Points. The Alert was issued in response to elevated security levels at airports in the wake of the foiled terrorist plot of August 10th. Port Everglades, one of the country’s most security-aware facilities, is evidently taking no chances. And yet, less than a week before, the port announced that their highly visible waterborne security barriers will no longer be regularly deployed to protect oil tankers moored at the port. The barriers, which Port Everglades officials say are unique to their location in comparison to similar commercial ports nationwide, are designed to prevent the same type of terrorist attack that damaged the USS COLE in 2000. Phillip Allen, Port Director for Port Everglades, told MarEx on Wednesday, “The barriers were part of earlier security plans. Alternate, additional security procedures are now in place, worked through the U.S. Coast Guard.” He declined to discuss the particulars of any new security arrangements. The move has raised questions in south Florida, where businesses and security experts are not yet comfortable with the decision. But, Allen says that the barriers, which have now been removed from the water, remain on standby within the port and can be redeployed “in fairly short order” should that become necessary. He also added that the operational issues involved with moving the barriers back and forth as tankers arrived and departed were downgrading the useful life of the equipment. The portable water fencing is owned by the port and was obtained by the port using federal Port Security Grant money. Port Everglades will save $900,000-per-year by ending a contract with the local marine outfit which was employed to move the barriers back and forth, but Allen insists that “money was not the controlling element in the decision.” For its part, the Coast Guard appears to be happy with security procedures at the port and has signed off on the move. Port Everglades has ramped up security vigorously in recent years and was one of the first in the nation to employ background checks on visitors and contractors, all of which Allen says places Port Everglades in a good position to implement TWIC when and if it is put into play. The port remains as the region’s main petroleum port, in addition to other cargoes and also boasts a booming cruise ship trade.