Tenth Consecutive Year Of Favorable Coast Guard Security Review

For the 10th consecutive year, the state-owned, public marine terminals at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore received a top rating on an annual security assessment from the U.S. Coast Guard for 2018. The Coast Guard conducts annual and thorough examinations of the Port’s six public marine terminals: Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal), Fairfield and Masonville.

“The Port of Baltimore is one of the most productive and secure ports in the nation,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Congratulations to everyone who had a role in this well-deserved recognition and everyone who continues to make the Port one of Maryland’s leading economic engines.”    

Each year Coast Guard Sector Maryland conducts a comprehensive inspection of the Port’s state-owned marine terminals to ensure they are within compliance of federal security regulations. The visual inspection includes a review of access control procedures and makes certain that physical security fixtures, such as high-mast lighting and fencing are up to federal security standards.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), which oversees the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals, has moved forward in recent years with many new security initiatives and enhancements including closed circuit television, cyber security, and stronger access control technologies. 

In a letter to MDOT MPA Executive Director James J. White, Coast Guard Captain of the Port J.B. Loring said the Port Administration exceeded expectations and referred to the risk mitigation programs in place and overall continued efforts to secure the state-owned public marine terminals.  

Among the nation’s ports, the Port of Baltimore ranks first for autos and light trucks, roll on/roll off heavy farm and construction machinery, and imported sugar.  The Port ranks second in exported coal.  Overall, the Port ranks ninth among all ports for the total dollar value of cargo and 12th in foreign cargo tonnage. Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 13,650 direct jobs, while about 127,600 jobs in Maryland are linked to Port activities. The Port is responsible for nearly $3 billion in personal wages and salary and $310 million in state and local tax revenues.