Security: Baltimore

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded the Maryland Port Administration $1,189,600 for security enhancements at public marine terminals in the Port of Baltimore.

 

The funding comes in the form of three federal port security grants. The first will improve cybersecurity initiatives including data classification standards to ensure sensitive information is not disclosed. It will also strengthen incident response and recovery activities. 

 

The second grant will help improve and upgrade security measures at the primary entrance to the port’s Dundalk Marine Terminal, including new software, physical security, communications and access control electronics. 

 

The final grant will finance the MPA’s hiring of a specialized company to perform security assessments at the port’s six public marine terminals and update the MPA’s Facility Security Plan, a federally-required document overseen by Coast Guard Sector Baltimore that focusses on security measures, policies, and procedures at the public marine terminals.

 

The Coast Guard has awarded the MPA a top rating of ‘Excellent’ on annual security assessments of the port’s public marine terminal for six consecutive years. The visual inspection includes reviews of access control procedures and makes certain that physical security fixtures, such as high-mast lighting and fencing, meet federal security standards. MPA has moved forward in recent years with newer and stronger security initiatives, including cyber, closed circuit television, and access controls.

 

"It is critically important for the Port of Baltimore to continue to implement the latest security measures to ensure the safety and security of the people who work there and the cargo the port handles," said MPA Executive Director James J. White. "Creating a successful balance between productive cargo-handling and a strong security program is something we will continue to pursue."