Orca Maritime in the News

Port Security: Sea mines, UWIEDs and other threats

EagleSpeak
2008-05-01
The 2004 terrorist attack on the Philippine Superferry 14 resulted in the deaths of 116 people and the loss of the ship. In that case, the damage was wrought by a bomb planted inside the ferry. Increased security for ships and ferries may cause terrorists to look to other ways to cause such damage to ships and to vital shipping lanes, including those in ports or inshore areas. ...Full Story Here

Safe Harbor: Concept to Technologies 2007 Explores Mining Threat to U.S. Ports

Story written by Ashley Lovejoy. Photos by Sandy Atkinson.
2008-02-26
The war game, sponsored by the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC), the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Organic Mine Countermeasures (OMCM), Future Naval Capabilities (FNC), program and the Naval Oceanography and Meteorology Command (NMOC), tasked defense, government and industry participants to develop a credible and effective plan, response and program to prepare for the defeat of this purported mining threat....Full Story Here

Port Security News

Not Just a Bad Hair Day

Commander Robert W. Witzleb, U.S. Navy, and Scott C. Truver
2008-10-03
Without warning, a tower of seawater suddenly envelops both sides of the bow and a massive shudder passes down the length of the ship. With the deck under his feet rapidly taking on a foreboding list and reports of massive flooding in his ship’s forward compartments, the captain takes the only course of action he has left. Navy personnel are astonished to see a commercial ship entering the restricted waters of the Point Loma submarine base and grinding to a halt on the seafloor near the entrance of San Diego’s harbor. In less than an hour, a nuclear-powered attack submarine was to transit the channel now blocked by the massive cargo ship. Other warships scheduled to depart the base are also trapped. As the Coast Guard pieces together available facts, prudence requires initial treatment of the incident as a hostile act. With the possibility that a terrorist act has occurred in U.S. waters, the White House is informed. As investigators mull over the situation, the uncertainty of its cause disappears. Reports arrive that a cruise ship has been severely damaged by an underwater explosion in Seattle’s harbor and a petroleum tanker is burning in the Houston Ship Channel after a similar underwater event. Somehow, terrorists have pulled off coordinated attacks against U.S. ports and waterways––America’s soft underbelly. Coast Guard Captains of the Port quickly close all other ports and harbors from Maine to Guam to all but emergency traffic. Nothing else moves....Full Story Here

Nigerian Oil Threat

Steve Mufson
2008-09-22
The week started like this: "At 2210 Hrs on Monday, September 15, 2008, a major crude oil pipeline at Bakana Front in Degema Local Government Area in Rivers state of Nigeria belonging to the Shell Petroleum Development Company was destroyed with high explosives by Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) detonation engineers backed by heavily armed fighters."...Full Story Here

Why we have to pay attention to small port security

Geoff Kohl
2008-09-19
On Tuesday of the ASIS show, I had the genuine pleasure of joining a number of security professionals to hear from Laurie Thomas of the University of Findlay (located in Ohio) about the topic of maritime security. Thomas is part of the University of Findlay's School of Environmental and Emergency Management, and is involved in areas of security training, emergency operations and terrorism preparedness....Full Story Here

Project Seahawk Part 2

Tracey Amick, Live 5 News
2008-09-17
In the worst case scenario: new funding would not be provided, so the detection tools would not be utilized, all of the technology would fall to the wayside, and the Seahawk Op center would go from an interagency operation center to a federal office building....Full Story Here

One of these things is not like the others: Customizing terrorism preparedness to meet L.A. County's unique needs

Linda Spagnoli
2008-09-01
Chief William McSweeney heads the Office of Homeland Security for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Known as the largest sheriff's office in the world, this agency protects 44 of the 88 cities within Los Angeles County, oversees the transit police and operates the largest jail system in the country....Full Story Here

Tampa Bay Maritime Homeland Security Experiment Focuses on Enhancing Nation's Port Security

2008-08-27
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Aug 27, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and SRI International are deploying a suite of advanced port security technologies, trained personnel, and are executing tactical procedures as part of a homeland security experiment in the waters of Tampa Bay through Aug. 28. ...Full Story Here

LYONS: LNG port security

2008-07-21
Rising oil and gas prices, environmental concerns and the possibility of domestic gas shortages have drastically increased demand for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) within the United States. There are six active U.S. LNG terminals, with 40 more marine LNG facilities proposed to service the U.S. market. LNG facilities are unique and the ships transporting it are highly visible and easily identified targets. They are extremely vulnerable to a terrorist attack, which if successful, could have catastrophic results. Within the continental United States, the U.S. Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, currently has the lead responsibility for LNG tanker and marine terminal security. ...Full Story Here

In Search of Safe Harbor

John Moore
2008-07-04
Securing the nation’s ports represents one of the most complicated undertakings in homeland security because of the high volume of traffic and large number of parties involved. Timely, accurate data sharing is at the heart of the challenge. At the federal level, port security falls under the government’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) initiative. That effort seeks to create a common operating picture that federal, state and local agencies with maritime security responsibilities can share. The Defense and Homeland Security departments spearhead the interagency MDA effort, which also involves the Transportation Department. Locally, ports have their own security priorities. The job at this level also calls for the cooperation of multiple parties, including port employees, terminal operators, shipping companies and truckers. Most ports are near urban areas, so adjacent police, fire and emergency services agencies also come into play....Full Story Here

al Qaeda Plot in the Caribbean?

EagleSpeak
2008-06-15
Have British intelligence agencies uncovered an al Qaeda plot to blow up a cruise ship somewhere in the Caribbean? Says so here: The plot was uncovered on a jihadist website which British and American security services have been monitoring since early this year. ...Full Story Here

The Terrorist Threat to Liquefied Natural Gas: Fact or Fiction?

Cindy Hurst
2008-06-02
On 14 February 2007, the Saudi Arabian arm of al-Qaeda put out a call to all religious militants to attack oil and natural gas sources around the world. Through such attacks, according to the call, al-Qaeda hopes to “strangle” the U.S. economy. Such proclamations give fodder to those who highlight the possibilities that liquefied natural gas (LNG) could be used as a lethal weapon of mass destruction. Industry officials on the other hand point out the improved security measures in place as a result of 9/11....Full Story Here

Sempra Energy's New Baja California LNG Terminal Ready for Commercial Operations

CNNMoney.com
2008-05-15
Sempra LNG, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), today announced that its Energía Costa Azul liquefied natural gas (LNG) receipt terminal in Baja California, Mexico, has successfully completed all performance testing and is ready for commercial operations. Located 14 miles north of Ensenada, Energía Costa Azul is the first LNG receipt facility on the West Coast of North America. ...Full Story Here

Al Qaeda Calling for Chokepoint Terrorism

EagleSpeak
2008-05-08
On April 26, 2008, the Islamist website Al-Ikhlas posted an article from Jihad Press, an e-journal reportedly linked to Al-Qaeda, which urges the mujahideen to establish naval terror cells. The article argues that gaining control over the seas and sea passages – especially around the Arabian Peninsula – is a vital step towards renewing the global Islamic caliphate....Full Story Here

Al Qaeda Calls For Naval Terror Cells

Information Dissemination
2008-05-08
We observe a memo like this can change the calculus for Naval forces operating in the 5th Fleet, and should be a serious concern to all nations in the region. Lets assume that the mujahideen has heard of blue paint, a safe assumption, and decides to buy the very common fast speed boats used by both the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Pasdaran forces and pirates in Somalia. What happens when they approach in formation a small task force of US surface ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz? When we observed the incident in January involving the three US Naval vessels and the Iranian small boats, we gave credit to the intelligence and training for being prepared for tense situations but keeping their cool when faced what appears to be threatening behavior....Full Story Here

Port Security: Sea mines, UWIEDs and other threats

COAST GUARD, NAVY WORKING TO STANDARDIZE DOMESTIC PORT SURVEYS

(Inside the Navy) Zachary Peterson
2008-04-15
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead recently discussed the ability of the U.S. government to conduct surveys of domestic ports to help defend the country against a potential underwater mine or improvised explosive device attack, the top Coast Guard officer told Inside the Navy in a recent interview....Full Story Here

Budget cuts create concerns for port security

Tom Karst
2008-04-02
(April 2) U.S. ports need sustained federal funding to help protect against acts of terrorism, and the American Association of Port Authorities said the White House budget for fiscal year 2009 fails to deliver adequate resources... “There is no guard gate at the dock,” he said, noting that protections against threats such as submerged bombs or boats are limited in some ports now. Some higher-risk ports are employing boats and other surveillance to monitor threats, he said. “It’s a continuing challenging, as we understand and see how terrorists outside the country have been able to mount attacks,” he said. Ellis said the U.S. government needs to make sure that it gives ports all the resources needs to stave off attacks and to recover if an attack occurs. “Our ports are an economic engine for this country and last year alone accounted for $2 trillion in economic benefits,” he said. “That’s not a system you want to see shut down.”...Full Story Here

Mines and underwater IEDS in U.S. ports and waterways: context, threats, challenges, and solutions

Scott C. Truver, Naval College War Review, Winter 2008
2008-03-19
Naval mines and underwater improvised explosive devices (UWIEDs, or minelike "booby traps") are among these threats to U.S. maritime interests. (3) A true "sleeper threat," mines and UWIEDs can with great effect attack the good order of American ports and waterways. They are the quintessential asymmetric naval weapons, used for more than two centuries by weak naval powers against the strong, regardless of whether they were "unworthy of a chivalrous nation," as Rear Admiral David G. Farragut, of "Damn the torpedoes!" fame, declared. (4) If left unaddressed, they could constitute an Achilles' heel for U.S....Full Story Here

Undersea warfare: The hidden threat

Karl M. Hasslinger
2008-03-10
Since Sept. 11, defense planners have given considerable thought to how the U.S. might be attacked again and what segments of our society — including undersea infrastructure — might be targeted. However, much of that thinking has been conventional, with predictable recommendations to improve physical security at shore facilities and increase patrols in shallow areas where cable sabotage has traditionally taken place. Unfortunately, this analysis overvalues the past and could lead to future surprises now that access to deep ocean areas is widely available. Altough the new Department of Homeland Security seems to be considering a broader range of attack scenarios, it still faces the same internecine conflicts that prevent well-established departments from working together effectively. Planning for and responding to an undersea attack might be particularly challenging because so many organizations will be required to participate. Coordinating action across those departmental seams was not a U.S. strong point during the response to Hurricane Katrina, and more agencies would be involved in combating an undersea attack. Still, there are actions government planners should consider to enhance our defense. They include: ...Full Story Here

Speaker sounds alarms about LNG terminal

2008-03-01
Fall River - Dr. John C.K. Daly insists he is not an alarmist, but warns it would be naive to believe there is a zero risk of terrorism to a liquefied natural gas tanker sailing up Mount Hope Bay. An international energy analyst and terrorism specialist, Daly was guest speaker of the Coalition for Responsible Siting of LNG Facilities at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Saturday night. Hess LNG has proposed a terminal at Weaver’s Cove off North Main Street where LNG tankers would sail up Mount Hope Bay and the Taunton River to off-load the liquefied natural gas. In addition to the terrorism aspect, Daly said, factors such as human failure and mechanical malfunction could also contribute to a potential disaster. All things considered, he stressed, “no ship can be 100 percent secure.” He cited the Exxon Valdez as an example of human failure, and the USS Cole as one of a terrorism target. Noting that a small craft laden with explosives traveled less than a half-mile undetected by the U.S. military before crashing into the Cole, Daly asked, “How many private piers of opportunity are there between the Atlantic Ocean and where we are? ... How many privately registered boats are there? It would only take one crazy with a bunch of stuff to make a difficulty. “How are your piers going to be 100 percent protected around Fall River?”...Full Story Here

US Dept. of Homeland Security selects Stevens to lead national research effort in port security

2008-02-27
Stevens is 1 of 11 universities to partner with DHS by leading port security research and education in 1 of the 5 new Centers of Excellence HOBOKEN, N.J. -- The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the selection of Stevens Institute of Technology as one of 11 universities to serve as important partners for conducting multi-disciplinary research and creating innovative learning environments for critical homeland security missions. These universities will partner to lead one of five new Centers of Excellence and each will receive a multi-year grant of up to $2 million per year, over a period of four to six years. The five new Centers of Excellence, located across the country, will study border security and immigration; explosives detection, mitigation, and response; maritime, island and port security; natural disasters, coastal infrastructure and emergency management; and transportation security. ...Full Story Here

Safe Harbor: Concept to Technologies 2007 Explores Mining Threat to U.S. Ports

State Port receives bomb threat

Keith T. Barber
2008-02-21
The North Carolina Ports Authority confirmed that a bomb threat was received by law enforcement authorities on Tuesday evening that a nuclear device was set to go off at the Port of Wilmington at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. “The Ports Authority police responded in conjunction with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout Tuesday evening and into Wednesday. It was determined by those agencies that it did not appear to be a credible threat and a complete sweep of the terminal gave no indication of any device,”...Full Story Here

Observing the Mine Warfare Discussion

Observations of an Armchair Admiral
2008-02-19
...What mine countermeasures does the Navy have to support Bangor, Everett, or Bremerton? Does the Navy have enough mine detection and clearance capabilities to quickly remove smart mines prior to the deployment of two billion dollar submarines or an eight billion dollar aircraft carrier? Nevermind the challenge of clearing mines with the Littoral Combat Ship off a coast with hundreds of Anti-ship missiles pointed at it, what does the Littoral Combat Ship contribute to the port of Long Beach? How many Littoral Combat Ships are required for a Long Beach size MCM effort? It is an important question, because if the Navy has to commit its entire Pacific flotilla to homeland defense, the flotilla will not be available in forward combat theaters to support scouting efforts for the battle line. This is a critical point not to be missed. The same flotilla that will clear mines for the homeland is the same flotilla expected to perform scouting for the battle line against what will soon amount ot hundreds of small attack platforms intertwined with tens of thousands of vessels at sea at any given time in that region of the Pacific. At the operational level of war that Milan is discussing, scouting will be critical to success, and even if the Navy can support both missions, where will littoral submarine defense come from? This modular consolidation strategy of mine warfare, scouting, small boat attack, and anti-submarine operations in the littoral needs a critical review, because thanks to consolidation, the numbers don't add up....Full Story Here

DHS FY09 Budget Request Reflects 7.6% Increase, Focus on Technology

Jonah Czerwinski
2008-02-05
...The Coast Guard claims $7.8 billion in discretionary spending for FY09. About $1.1 billion of this is for fleet modernization under the Integrated Deepwater Systems program. $44 million is dedicated to Maritime Domain Awareness support through such programs as Nationwide Automatic Identification System, Maritime Awareness Global Network (MAGNet) 2.0, and Command 21....Full Story Here

Undersea Security Falls Short, Leaving Telecom, Energy Resources Vulnerable

NAVY TIMES
2008-02-04
In our rush to improve transportation security after the Sept. 11 attacks, U.S. leaders may have overlooked one lesson the terrorists taught us that day: They study our systems and exploit our weaknesses. And while planes, trains and merchant ships have received intense scrutiny in the years following the attacks, there is an area where we are more vulnerable: our critical infrastructure under the sea. Increasingly, we rely on this environment...Full Story Here

U.S. Looks To Outsource Domestic Minehunting

Zachary M. Peterson
2008-01-14
When it comes to hunting mines in domestic ports, the U.S. Navy is looking to outsource part of the job. Navy officials say the service does not have enough resources to regularly survey the waters closest to the United States, and that the bulk of the technology necessary to survey ports for mines is commercially available. “We don’t have the capacity to survey a number of ports at once,” said Cmdr. John Alford, mine warfare officer for the San Diego-based 3rd Fleet. ...Full Story Here

GAO maritime security report looks at tankers

2008-01-14
The United States faces limitations in helping to increase compliance, as well as limitations in ensuring safe passage on vulnerable transport routes. Domestically, units of the Coast Guard, the lead federal agency for maritime security, report insufficient resources to meet its own self imposed security standards, such as escorting ships carrying liquefied natural gas. ...Full Story Here

U.S. not ready for port attacks

Kristopher Hanson
2008-01-14
A new federal study claims the U.S. Coast Guard remains unprepared to adequately protect oil tankers and other fuel ships from terrorist attacks in the nation's harbors. The report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office says Coast Guard personnel are stretched too thin in many ports to protect increasing numbers of ships importing crude oil, jet fuel and liquefied natural gas. Researchers, who examined security at dozens of domestic and international seaports, said more protective measures are needed. ...Full Story Here

Improvised Explosive Devices: Could They Threaten U.S. Ports?

Grace V. Jean
2008-01-01
The U.S. Navy possesses one of the premier mine-hunting forces in the world, but it is ill-prepared to thwart terrorist attacks on U.S. ports and waterways, officials said...Full Story Here

World Oil Transit Chokepoints

2008-01-01
Chokepoints are narrow channels along widely used global sea routes. They are a critical part of global energy security due to the high volume of oil traded through their narrow straights. The Strait of Hormuz leading out of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Malacca linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans are two of the world’s most strategic chokepoints....Full Story Here

Mines, Small Boats May Pose Threat to U.S. Ports

Eleanor Stables
2007-05-14
Members of Congress should be more concerned about the threat of terrorists using mines and small boats to attack multiple U.S. ports and disrupt the economy, according to a U.S. Coast Guard expert. Lawmakers should grant more funding to port surveillance to counter the threat, Guy Thomas, science and technology adviser for maritime domain awareness at the Coast Guard, said in an interview....Full Story Here

Underwater: mines, improvided explosives. a threat to global commerce?

Scott Truver
2007-04-01
The United States confronts the formidable task of protecting some 95,000 miles of coastlines and thousands of miles of inland waterways, including 361 ports. The nation's maritime economic zone comprises more than 3.4 million square miles of ocean space and at any time is cluttered with thousands of naval warships, commercial vessels, fishing boats, tugs, ferries and pleasure craft.<br/> Mines and underwater improvised explosive devices can be placed surreptitiously in channels and harbors for spectacular effects--against the Staten Island Ferry crammed with 2,500 commuters during an evening rush hour or a cruise ship with 4,000 vacationers and crew on board leaving the port of Miami or Seattle. Mines can greatly harm the flow of trade. More than 90 percent of U.S. exports and imports transits U.S. ports. The consequences from just a few mines could be catastrophic. Even if no ships were sunk or damaged, explosions in a few key ports on East, Gulf, and West Coasts and in the Saint Lawrence Seaway, would have a chilling effect on commercial shipping from increased insurance costs and vessel lay-days.<br/> And the economic tremors would reverberate throughout the nation and among trading partners overseas. ...Full Story Here