Latest news with #ISPS
New Indian Express
11-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Security beefed up along Odisha coast, Paradip Port on alert
BERHAMPUR/PARADIP: Security measures have been intensified along Odisha's coastline over potential threats to vital installations and establishments amid the tension between India and Pakistan. Paradip Port authorities heightened measures with all terminals, berths, and ship anchorage areas instructed to immediately elevate their security status to International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code - Security Level 2. Stringent checks are being implemented on vessels and entry gates. Sources said, around 20-25 vessels operating in and around the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring regions have been directed to follow Security Level 2 protocols. Jagatsinghpur SP Bhabani Shankar Udgata said, security has been stepped up at Paradip Port following the rise in tension between India and Pakistan. Flag marches have been conducted across all police jurisdiction areas in Paradip. Enhanced security arrangements have been made at the port and other strategic locations. Additional personnel have been deployed at key installations, he added. Similarly, security was tightened in Ganjam district's coastal areas. Marine police stations in Arjipalli and three stations in Jagatsinghpur district are on high alert conducting intensified sea and land patrolling. 'Ganjam has a coastline of over 33 km, and we have stepped up patrols to prevent potential security breaches,' stated Ganjam SP Suvendu Patra. Since important establishments including Gopalpur Port, Indian Rare Earths Ltd, Grasim exists in coastal areas in Chhatrapur block of Ganjam, security forces have been deployed for safety of the establishments, the SP added. Leaves of CISF and police have been cancelled, with coastal security efforts being coordinated among Odisha Police, Indian Coast Guard, and Indian Navy.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Maritime security raised to level 2 for Indian ports amid tensions
The Directorate General of Shipping has increased maritime security for Indian ports, terminals, and Indian-flagged vessels to "MARSEC Level 2 or heightened security", considering the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, a senior government official said. The directive was issued on May 8, the official added. The Directorate General of Shipping functions under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), forms a crucial part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. It was adopted in response to growing global concerns over maritime security, especially in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. One of the core components of the ISPS Code is the classification of security levels. These levels are designed to ensure that ships and port facilities can operate securely under varying threat environments. Security Level 2 involves maintaining of appropriate additional protective security measures for a defined period of time, in response to a heightened risk. This level is activated before an incident occurs, often as a precautionary measure based on credible information. Level 2 requires escalation of standard procedures and close monitoring of threat updates. Earlier this month, India banned ships bearing the flag of Pakistan from visiting any Indian port. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of key maritime projects to ensure normal cargo movement. He directed officials to ensure that the business remains normal.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India steps up maritime security after review
Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday reviewed security measures at ports as the country raised alertness to the so-called MARSEC-2 level to keep shipping lines protected and operational amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, an official said. The ports, shipping and waterways minister, who visited Mumbai during the day, met representatives from key state-run maritime organisations, including the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Ltd (IPRCL), Indian Port Global Ltd (IPGL), directorate general of shipping and the Mumbai Port Authority. 'The minister carried out an in-depth review of port security and assessed all ongoing infrastructure projects, and asked officials to ensure business as usual,' the official said, asking not to be named. The directorate-general of shipping has ordered all ports, terminals and shipyards to elevate maritime security measures to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) level 2, also known as MARSEC-2, the official said. Enhanced protective measures are required not just for all functional ports but also for those under construction against all threats, the official said. Nearly 95% of India's trade and 80% of its crude oil supply is shipped through the oceans. 'This directive is issued in the national maritime security interests and must be treated with utmost urgency and priority,' the advisory issued by directorate-general of shipping said. Those who attended the review meeting included secretary, ports, TK Ramachandran. 'All Indian flagged vessels operating in and near to the India sub-continent and neighbouring countries are required to elevate the security Level to 2 and implement the applicable security measures as per Ship Security Plan (SSP),' a notification by the shipping regulator stated.
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Business Standard
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Ports, vessels on heightened maritime security measures, blackout protocols
Indian ports and vessels have been ordered to enforce heightened maritime security measures and blackout protocols amid rising tensions and a maritime threat looming large in the Arabian Sea. 'In light of recent developments and growing concerns regarding potential threat to Indian ports, coast, terminals and vessels, to emphasise the necessity of implementing additional protective measures during period of heightened security risks, it is hereby directed that all ports, terminals and shipyards, shall ensure heightened maritime measures, including elevation to ISPS security Level 2 with immediate effect. All Indian-flagged vessels operating in and near to the Indian subcontinent, and neighbouring countries, are required to elevate security to Level 2 and implement the applicable security measures according to the ship security plan,' a notice to all maritime stakeholders by India's shipping regulator Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) said. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Level-2, among other measures, includes enhanced monitoring of access points, stricter access controls, increased frequency of security patrols, and potentially searches of people, baggage, and vehicles. Ports and terminals have also been asked to conduct blackout tests and unannounced security drills to test and reinforce preparedness. Chief Information Security Officers of all port facilities will review their IT security systems to prevent any threats of cyberattacks. The shipping regulator earlier banned all vessels from Pakistan from docking at Indian ports. Transporters are also bracing for disruption. 'It is very early to quantifiably assess the impact on shipments. Blackout protocols in border states have brought disruptions to logistics. Additionally, several port facilities on the western coast have also been involved for military use, potentially impacting movement of cargo from these ports. We're expecting more disruptions going forward, and it is possible that added costs in terms of war risk premiums on marine insurance will come about,' said Dushyant Mulani, chairman of Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India. The government expects commercial maritime operations to continue normally. 'At Level-2, there should be no impact on commercial vessel movement. We have not reached that situation – if ever there is such a situation, a Level-3 is enforced where movement is restricted,' a senior regulatory official said on condition of anonymity. To ensure commercial operations are not impacted, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conducted a high-level review meeting on Friday with officials from ports and other stakeholder departments. 'Considering the prevailing situation, the union minister took stock of key maritime projects and directed the officials to ensure that the business remains as usual. Sonowal also reviewed measures to be taken to ensure smooth and normal movement of cargo operations,' a statement by the minister's office said. Indian ports have already responded to the call for elevated security measures. Kolkata's Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority said, 'To ensure full operational readiness, all leave of employees, (including contractual staff) stand cancelled from 10th May to 14th May 2025. Additionally employees are required to remain at headquarters, even during the days of weekly off. Pilots and dock pilots will be on high alert and ready for emergency evacuation from KDS and HDC, if necessary.' On the digital front, cybersecurity is also being enhanced.
Gulf Today
26-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
AD Ports opens first inland dry port facility in Abu Dhabi
AD Ports Group today announced the inauguration of a new custom bound inland dry port facility, enhancing the connectivity of Khalifa Port and elevating the quality of logistics services across the UAE. Al Faya Dry Port, strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will act as an Inland Container Depot (ICD) linked overland to Khalifa Port. It will offer a transit terminal for trucks, thus improving market speed and providing more cost-efficient cargo handling operations for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Al Faya Dry Port will serve CMA CGM as its first key client but will be scaled up to also serve AD Ports Group's other strategic shipping partners at Khalifa Port such as COSCO and MSC. Depending on market demand, other ICDs could also be put in place across Abu Dhabi. The opening of the ICD facility in Al Faya complements and extends the commercial reach of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, inaugurated in December 2024 to reach end customers across the UAE. Al Faya Dry Port is digitally integrated with Khalifa Port through Maqta Technologies' Advanced Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP). Bridging the gap between Khalifa Port and the final destination of the cargo, the new facility enables CMA CGM and other operators at Khalifa Port to generate origin and destination (O&D) business. The dry port truck terminal has an initial container capacity of 900 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) but has been built to be easily scalable, depending on demand. Al Faya Dry Port is the latest example of a growing collaboration between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM, a global player in sea, land, air, and logistics following the recent signing of a shareholders' agreement, to jointly develop, manage and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville, for which AD Ports Group received a 30-year extendable concession in June 2023. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, 'The opening of Al Faya Dry Port is not only a tangible example of our support to key commercial partners, but a sign of our commitment to raising the quality of supply chains across the UAE, which will benefit individuals and businesses across the country in line with the vision of our wise leadership.' He added, 'For CMA CGM, this inland container depot will effectively expand their addressable market from Abu Dhabi to the entire UAE. The creation of this key infrastructure hub supports the Group and CMA Terminals Khalifa Port's joint efforts to streamline and optimise the supply chain of customers across the UAE.' The facility is International Shipping & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) compliant, which ensures it meets the highest global industry standards for port facilities. It is also customs bounded, designed for quick truck turnaround, allowing fast cargo movement.
