How does a maritime legal blogger not jump in on the whole Dubai Ports World controversy? - apparently I can't and in fact I am sorry it has taken me this long but I have stood by the sidelines watching in amazement at the "information" being reported in the traditional news, through statements by our elected officials and of course in blogs. Frankly, I am shocked at how out of control this whole thing has gotten and over something that should not be a big deal.
Essentially P&O Ports and DP World are stevedores and terminal operators of terminals around the world including in the United States. Security at US terminals is governed by individual Facility Security Plans approved by the US Coast Guard and are the responsibility of the terminal owner and operator. The Terminals in question in the DP World takeover of P&O Ports in the US include more than 20 terminals in the US including terminals owned by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey the Port of Miami, Miami Dade County and the Maryland Port Administration among others. These governmental entities along with the terminal operator are responsible for the port security plans. The regulations can be found here.
Suggesting the a takeover of P&O Ports by DP World would create a security risk is just silly and is clearly being done for political purposes which in no way will result in greater security at our nations ports.
Instead of spending significant airtime on this political debate which has resulted in the odd pairings of George Bush and Jimmy Carter on the same side with Barbara Boxer and Bill Frist on the other, it would be more fruitful to spend time raising consciousness about the venerability of our nation's ports - regardless of the operator in place there.
I have made mention of maritime security technology in the past but I will try to post about specific examples and available equipment over the next few days to do my part in raising the real issue here.
