Gulf firm (UAE)is first international port operator to be certified for security by U.S.

[jus_the_facts]

http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2008/me_gulf0246_06_16.asp

Monday, June 23, 2008

ABU DHABI — A leading Gulf firm in the United Arab Emirates whose plans to operate six U.S. ports was last year rebuffed by Congress, has been certified as a partner in a U.S. port security program. In 2007, DP abandoned plans to purchase a British company that operated six major ports in the United States, Middle East Newsline reported. Congress was opposed to a state-owned UAE company having direct access to U.S. ports.

Executives said DP World has become the only international port operator certified by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. They said the certification would ensure improved standards throughout the company's 44 terminals.


Executives said the shelving of the acquisition by DP World has not dampened the company's intention to participate in U.S. port security program. They said the company was helping develop and adopt container scanning and tracking technology.

DP World was also participating in the Secure Freight Initiative pilot program. The company was testing containers for nuclear and radioactive material in two of its terminals, Southampton, England and Karachi, Pakistan.

[robinlynne]

1. wtf...

[jus_the_facts]

2. Seems a *pilot program* enables this to take place regardless of what Congress wanted...

:wtf: INDEED!