Vancouver: The Port of Vancouver is in full compliance with new international maritime security requirements and continues to invest in new security measures, the Vancouver Port Authority announced today. "The Port of Vancouver's maritime community has taken a leadership role on the west coast of Canada to work cooperatively to implement stringent security measures that meet or exceed new international standards," said Captain Chris Badger, Vice-President, Customer Development and Operations, Vancouver Port Authority (VPA). "The commitment to security by the port community extends past the July 1 deadline as we continue to make investments that ensure operational efficiencies and meet the highest security standards."

The International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code is a new set of international standards to detect and deter threats to international maritime security. ISPS comes into effect July 1, 2004. Under ISPS, ports are required to enhance and upgrade their physical and operational security. All 25 major terminals have worked together to complete security assessments, submit security plans to Transport Canada and receive approval from Transport Canada for their plans. "Both the general public and our customers can be sure that the Port of Vancouver is more secure than ever before," said Badger.

Together, the port community, the Vancouver Port Authority and the federal government are making significant investments in security initiatives. Port terminal operators have invested as much as $2 million each in enhancements to their own terminal security.

The Vancouver Port Authority is investing $12.8 million over five years to enhance the physical security of the Port of Vancouver. The VPA has implemented or enhanced barriers and equipment on and around Port properties, including perimeter fencing, lighting, optical intrusion detection devices and closed-circuit camera surveillance. The VPA employs fully automated gates and vehicle access control systems so that only authorized vehicles and individuals can access south shore port property.

In May, the Canadian Federal Government committed $115 million to assist ports and terminals across Canada with security costs.

Transport Canada has adopted a zero-tolerance policy similar to the U.S. and European countries. As of July 1, non-compliant ships will not be allowed to enter Canadian waters, as per Transport Canada regulations.

The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest and most diversified port, trading $29 billion in goods with more than 90 trading economies each year. Port activities generate 62,000 jobs in total with $1.6 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $3.5 billion in economic output. Last year, 66.7 million tonnes were shipped through the Port of Vancouver.

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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(604) 218-1403 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com


For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(604) 218-1403 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

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