US Program Helps Ports Assess Cybersecurity
HudsonAnalytix, Inc. and its subsidiary HudsonCyber have completed a U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP) grant to perform cybersecurity capability assessment workshops at three U.S. ports. HudsonAnalytix’s HACyberLogix-informed assessment approach enabled these ports to cost-effectively assess their entire organizational cybersecurity capabilities and identify cybersecurity capability vulnerabilities. The results from these workshops will support MARAD CHCP in leading the adoption of cyber risk management best practices across the U.S. port industry.
Securing U.S. Ports Against Terror
The Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information of the Senate Judiciary Committee conducted a hearing on February 26, 2002 concerning Securing our Ports Against Terrorism: Technology, Resources and Homeland Defense. Captain William Schubert, Maritime Administrator, testified about grants to be provided to critical national seaports to finance the cost of enhancing facility and operational security. Bonni Tischler, Assistant Commissioner, Customs Service, testified about the agency’s Container Security Initiative. RADM Kenneth Venuto, USCG, testified about Maritime Domain Awareness. Richard Steinke, representing the American Association of Port Authorities, discussed efforts by U.S. port authorities to improve security.
Dot Com, Maritime Style
Much as has transpired in mainstream consumer markets, the dot com craze has recently enveloped the maritime world with promises of cost savings and operational efficiencies. While an attrition and natural process of consolidation can eventually be expected, the world of e-commerce solutions for the maritime market is definitely in its infancy. While it is impossible to judge the full working models in this report, the following text contains synopsis reports on some of the more noteworthy market entrants. Recently launched by Boston-based WebPark Corp., Boat-Park.com is an on-line virtual trade show, which seeks to bring together worldwide participants into its virtual trade show, which is open 24/7.
Jones Act Reform Coalition Head Resigns
Rob Quartel announced his resignation as president of the Jones Act Reform Coalition, the lobbying group that seeks modifications in maritime laws that require domestic waterborne cargo to be transported in U.S.-owned, -built and -crewed ships. He said he was leaving to pursue other unspecified opportunities. No new head of the Jones Act Reform Coalition has been announced, but it is expected that the group will continue to work to reform the Jones Act during this session of Congress.
Administration Proposes Jones Act Reform
The Clinton Administration, long an opponent of Jones Act reform, has proposed a one-year waiver to allow the use of foreign-built ships to transport U.S. food aid abroad, most notably to Russia. The plan would add up to seven dry-bulk and breakbulk ships suited to carry food aid, according to U.S. Marad estimated. "This waiver," said Rob Quartel, president of the Jones Act Reform Coalition (JARC), "would bring Jones Act reform to foreign consumers, while American businesses and consumers continue to bear the burden that may approach $17 billion annually. The waiver proposal, attached to this year's Marad authorization bill, would allow foreign-built bulk ships immediate eligibility to carry U.S. food aid, as long as the ships are registered under the U.S. flag and employ U.S. crews.
