Nuclear Port Security

The goal of transportation systems in general is to facilitate the movement of people and goods from place to place quickly, safely, and inexpensively. However, because it is often not possible to meet all three of those goals simultaneously, transportation engineers are forced to choose some imperfect, but realistic, combination of those ideals. Securing our nation’s ports from potential nuclear threats is a prime example of a goal that forces transportation engineers, politicians, and others to choose between safety and efficiency.

Since the attacks of September 11th, national security has been an especially important issue in the United States. The federal government quickly took measures to decrease the chances of another major terrorist attack from occurring on US soil. While much attention is given to those measures that directly impact the public, such as airline security checks, other less obvious measures are equally important.

Nuclear Port Security is a major issue for many reasons, including the following:

1.)    Nuclear weapons can only be detonated in the US if they are created here or transported here. If we assume that creating or obtaining a nuclear device is easier outside of the US than within it, and that a missile or other military-style delivery system is beyond the technical capabilities of most terrorist groups (both somewhat questionable assumptions), they it appears that smuggling a nuclear weapon into the US is perhaps the easiest way to get such a device on US soil.

2.)    Nuclear “Dirty Bombs” provide a low-tech method for radiation dispersal, while highly-enriched Uranium weapons emit only low levels of radiation prior to detonation that are difficult to detect by many scanners.

3.)    Sea- and river-ports process huge amounts of cargo every day, increasing the chances that the “needle” may never be found in the “haystack.”

4.)    Air traffic is very closely monitored, making smuggling radioactive material by air a risky possibility.

5.)    Cargo ships are massive and carry goods from many different companies and points of origin to just as many places. This vast complexity and great scale make it difficult for all transported items to be fully checked and monitored.

6.)    Each shipping crate is capable of carrying large amounts of materials and can be unloaded from a ship directly to a truck without any form of visual or other inspection of its contents.

7.)    Ports are extremely important to the world market, and are often located in, or very close to, major cities. A nuclear detonation at a port could cause great loss of life as well as major monetary losses. According to the Washington Post, “Estimates of damage caused by a nuclear detonation at a major port range from tens of billions of dollars to $1 trillion.” The destruction of a major port would cause tremendous financial and cultural turmoil. Global trade would suffer, and many jobs would be lost. Suspicion or tension between countries would result in even greater consequences.

Clearly, the protection of its sea- and river- ports should be a major priority for the US. However, there are major obstacles to such security. Financial concerns, delays in shipments due to extended processing time, privacy and intellectual property concerns, and poorly organized oversight of the cargo monitoring process have all plagued attempts to institute an all-encompassing scanning methodology at US ports.

In 2007, Congress passed a law requiring that all cargo containers entering the US must be screened for radiation at foreign ports. In an effort to achieve this goal, the US has helped over twenty nations to install cargo scanning equipment in their ports, largely through the Megaports Initiative of the National Nuclear Security Administration. This initiative, begun in fiscal year 2003, seeks to expand this success to 100 seaports by 2015. Despite the success of this initiative, reported the Washington Post, the Department of Homeland Security failed to meet the July 2012 deadline for 100% foreign-based scanning set forth by Congress, instead “extending a two-year blanket exemption to foreign ports because the screening is proving too costly and cumbersome.” In a report to Congress, DHS secretary Janet Napolitano “said it would cost $16 billion to implement scanning measures at the nearly 700 ports worldwide that ship to the United States.” The current cargo scanning system used by the Customs and Border Protection agency uses intelligence-based analysis to target “high-risk” cargo for inspection.

Although much of the cargo imported into the US is not yet scanned in foreign ports, nearly all of it is scanned after it reached US ports. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of the scanning equipment used for this application. In addition, a 2013 report by the DHS Office of Inspector General revealed poor coordination between Customs and Border Protection and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office that has allegedly resulted in poor scanning and tracking methods.

When looking at an issue such as nuclear port security, it is often very difficult to see a clear solution. The many available courses of action each provide their own set of benefits and drawbacks, even when looking at only a small aspect of the problem. For example, looking at the issue of nuclear port security from an economic perspective provides little useful directives. On the one hand, according to the Washington Post, “estimates of damage caused by a nuclear detonation at a major port range from tens of billions of dollars to $1 trillion.” On the other hand is the reality of the current system exemplified by failed attempts to address the issue, as shown by a simple look at the news: “Pilot programs established to scan all containers [in foreign ports] were abandoned in 2009 after the agency said costs were too high and the effort led to cargo delays and logistical problems.”

Transportation engineers, politicians, businessmen, and the public must also weigh the daily logistical nightmare of in-port radiation scanning against the chances of the logistical hell of a nuclear detonation in-port.

Will things ever change? It’s unclear. The optimist will point to new scanning technology that will revolutionize the scanning process, while the pessimist will point to increased government bureaucracy that will only make the system more costly and inefficient. However, some things are certain: as long as nuclear threats exist, the issue of port security will be an important (and likely costly) one.

 

———————————————————————————————————————

 

http://nnsa.energy.gov/aboutus/ourprograms/nonproliferation/programoffices/internationalmaterialprotectionandcooperation/-5

http://www.gsnmagazine.com/article/28496/port_nuclear_detection_efforts_not_fully_coordinat

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-07-15/world/35489894_1_port-security-port-vulnerability-cargo-containers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5sSnxge6BGA

 

 

799 thoughts on “Nuclear Port Security

  1. From Dubai with Love offers exceptional videography service dubai for weddings and events, capturing your special moments with unparalleled expertise and creativity. Our team of skilled videographers is dedicated to delivering timeless and emotive films that reflect the essence of your occasion. Whether it’s a lavish wedding or a corporate gathering, we ensure every detail is captured flawlessly, from the grandest gestures to the subtlest expressions. With state-of-the-art equipment and a keen eye for composition, we transform your memories into captivating visual narratives. Trust us to preserve your cherished moments, and let From Dubai with Love create a lasting memento of your event that will be cherished for years to come.

  2. Elevate your style with Shahtaj Qaiser’s impressive range of formal dresses. Our beautiful collection shows a perfect blend of traditional and modern styles, whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, or any other formal event. Buy your favorite formal dress online today.

  3. Você é tão incrível! Eu não acho que eu já tenha leído algo assim antes. É maravilhoso descobrir outra pessoa com pensamentos genuinos sobre este assunto. Realmente… muito obrigado por começar isto. Este site é algo que é necessário na web, alguém com um pouco de originalidade.

    https://www.texasholdemsite.info/

  4. Take My Class Done is your ultimate academic ally, providing personalized and reliable online class assistance. From tackling assignments to acing exams, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you succeed. With a seamless and confidential process, we offer tailored solutions for students seeking academic support. Let us take the stress out of your coursework, so you can focus on what truly matters. Trust Takemyclassdone to elevate your educational journey to new heights.

  5. Bim, Türkiye genelinde yaygın şubeleriyle müşterilere hizmet veren bir market zinciridir. Bim’de de her hafta indirimli ürünler ve fırsatlar bulunmaktadır. Gıda ürünlerinden temizlik malzemelerine, ev gereçlerinden kişisel bakım ürünlerine kadar geniş bir ürün yelpazesi mevcuttur. Bu hafta Bim’de özellikle meyve-sebze, et ve süt ürünleri gibi taze ürünlerde uygun fiyatlar dikkat çekmektedir.
    Referans : https://kampanyabul.org/

  6. I’ll fold it when you leave because you’re disgusted with me I love your writing, and I remember this song. I enjoyed it. Do you know who I am? I’ve been your chief, and I’ve been to the /먹튀검증

  7. I’m glad you took the time to talk about this because I love learning more about it. If you have the time and the knowledge, would you mind adding more information to your blog? I find it to be very helpful.

  8. The discussion on nuclear port security highlights the critical need to balance safety and efficiency in transportation systems, especially in the face of potential catastrophic events. It serves as a reminder that securing ports from nuclear threats is an ongoing event that requires constant adaptation, technological advancements, and collaboration among various stakeholders to safeguard national security.

  9. İnternetin yaygınlaşmasıyla birlikte, web siteleri de işletmeler, bireyler ve kuruluşlar için önemli bir varlık haline gelmiştir. Bir web sitesini yayınlamak ve erişilebilir hale getirmek için web hosting hizmetlerine ihtiyaç duyulur. Web hosting, web sitesinin dosyalarını bir sunucuda barındırma ve internet üzerinden erişilebilir kılma sürecidir. İşte burada hosting hizmetleri devreye girer.
    Referans : https://www.daha.net/

  10. شرکت حسابداری اَزتا با بیش از 25 سال سابقه فعالیت در حوزه خدمات حسابداری و حسابرسی آماده ارائه خدمات جامع و با کیفیت حسابداری به تمامی صاحبان مشاغل مختلف است. شرکت حسابداری اَزتا در اقصی نقاط کشور
    شعبه دارد. شما میتوانید از راه دور یا نزدیک از خدمات مالی و مایلاتی شرککت حسابداری ازتا بهرهمند شوید. همچنین کادر فوق حرفه ازتا متشکل از اساتید و متخصصانی است که بیش از 25 سال سابقه در این زمینه داردند. کادر خوش اخلاق و متخصص اَزتا باعث اعتبار هر چه بیشتر این مجموعه شده است.

  11. So if you are new to it and want to watch the newly released movies at their first glimpse, then create a Disney Plus account and subscribe to it. The steps to subscribe and sign up for Disney Plus are given below. So let’s start.

  12. At Take My Exam For Me, students can find a vast collection of study materials, including practice tests, sample papers, and study guides, tailored to various subjects and levels of difficulty. These resources are carefully curated and regularly updated to align with the latest educational standards and syllabi.

  13. Say Goodbye to Cable: Embrace the Future of Entertainment with If-VOD TV
     
    The Rise of Streaming Services
    In recent years, the landscape of entertainment has undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days when cable TV was the primary source of entertainment for households. With the advent of streaming services and the rise of IfVOD TV (Internet-based Video on Demand), people now have more options than ever before to access and enjoy their favorite movies, TV shows, and other digital content. This article will delve into the world of If-VOD TV, exploring its benefits, how to get started, and its impact on the traditional cable industry.

     

  14. Top Exam Help: Your Ultimate Exam Companion for Academic Success!

    At Topexamhelp, we understand the challenges students face when it comes to preparing for exams. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive online platform that provides you with the tools and resources you need to excel in your studies. From expertly crafted study guides to interactive practice tests, we’ve got you covered.

    With Topexamhelp, you can access a wide range of subjects and topics, tailored to your specific academic needs. Our team of experienced educators and subject matter experts have meticulously designed our content to ensure it aligns with the latest curriculum standards and exam formats.

  15. Slot online atau game online sekarang ini lagi tren banget di Indonesia. Salah satu nya Link Slot Gacor yang paling terkenal dan terbaik adalah agen Dewataspin. Di situs ini Anda akan mendapatkan banyak bonus. Selain bonus referal ada jenis-jenis bonus yang bisa kamu dapatkan. Silakan kunjungi sekarang juga untuk membuktikan situs kami menjadi terbaik dan terpercaya di Indonesia.

  16. Ahşap malzemenin kullanımı, retro posterlere organik bir his ve doğal bir sıcaklık katmaktadır. Her bir detayın özenle işlenmiş olması, ürünlere kalite ve özgünlük kazandırır. Ahşabın dayanıklılığı ve doğallığı, posterlerin uzun ömürlü olmasını sağlar ve böylece zamanla eskimeyen, değerli birer sanat eseri olarak korunurlar.
    Site : https://posterya.net/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *