Cargo systems 'vulnerable to terrorist strikes'

Dubai: Cargo and supply chain systems around the world continue to be vulnerable to terrorist attacks as there are no comprehensive security checks installed for their safety, say industry experts.

According to estimates less than five per cent of the containers moving around the world are checked. "The focus has been on extensive passenger checks.

But the cargo sitting in the hold of the aircraft has probably not been checked as extensively," said David Wood, managing director of International Business Events (IBE).

As for cargo containers there is only a shipper's declaration of what is inside. "A very small percentage is actually checked and even less is screened," said Wood.

Finally the world is beginning to pay attention to enhancing the security of cargo and supply chain systems, he said.

There is an enormous expansion of transportation networks in the Middle East and in the UAE in particular, and with that comes a variety of security implications, he said.

The Middle East logistics industry, according to industry forecasts, is expected to grow more than 25 per cent annually.

"The region is an important global trading hub with the UAE being the world's third most important re-export centre. It needs to ensure the safety and security of goods that are transported through its ports and other terminals," said Wood.

"9/11 (attacks) was a watershed. In its aftermath the focus on global security has been at a heightened level," he said.

Safety of transportation is important because either it is used as weapon in itself or is a terrorist target because it is the economic artery of countries, he said.

Top global and regional security experts will attend a conference in Dubai next April to discuss crucial topics affecting the aviation, maritime and transport sectors.

The Airport, Port and Transport Security Middle East conference and exhibition, organised by IBE, will focus on the supply chain security sector.

It will also address issues such as border control systems and the cargo and supply chain systems.

In another report, Dubai has been voted the safest port in the world by the United Nations, but it is constantly upgrading and enhancing systems as a preventive measure, said Mahmoud Ameen, head of the department of safety for DP World.

"Our budget for security systems has been increasing by about 15 to 25 per cent every year," he said.

Emirates Group Security is enhancing the security at its facilities with the latest technology.

On Wednesday, it signed an agreement to purchase the EndPoint Security software system developed by MAXxess, to help increase surveillance support and strengthen security management.