Northern ports await federal security dollars: increasing cost of security could see port user fees increase.

Three years after the Sept. 11 attacks, a federal program designed to tighten up security at Great Lakes ports still remains unclear on how millions will be spent to make Canada's ports more secure.

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The federal government committed $115 million last May for port security and imposed a July deadline for authorities and port users to submit their security plans.

However, the Thunder Bay Port Authority is still waiting to hear from Ottawa on how much of the Marine Security Contribution Program will be allocated to them.

The money will be earmarked to pay for security upgrades such as fencing, surveillance cameras and communications equipment.

As of July 1, all Canadian ports that accept international traffic-cargo or passenger ships--must meet security regulations under the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Port authorities are required to file security assessments and plans and designate security officers with Transport Canada.

The new requirements are designed to strengthen marine security around the world.

Those ports that don't meet these standards could lose millions of dollars in international business.

The new regulations also extend to cargo vessels greater than 100 tonnes and vessels towing barges carrying dangerous cargoes.

Tim Heney, Thunder Bay Port Authority's director of operations, says the authority has installed more than $50,000 worth of nine-foot-high fencing around Keefer Terminal.

"Beyond that, with the ongoing cost of more manpower it's considerably more."

The authority plans on filing a reimbursement application to Transport Canada in October.

"That's one thing we're working on right now, gathering up expenditures in the port to see how much we can apply for."

He expects more of the international ports, such as Vancouver and Montreal, will likely receive the bulk of the funding.

"We're just not sure how much is going to make it to our area."

In preparing an overall security plan for the port, Heney says, everyone in Thunder Bay is compliant," including the nine privately-run grain terminals.

Heney says much of the focus of these latest measures involves controlling public access to ships for both saltwater vessels and 'lakers' that call on both Canadian and U.S. ports.

In years past, it was common to himself and dockworkers to be able to walk up to ships moored in port, climb the gangplank and be able to access the ship's bridge without being challenged by security personnel, Heney says.

That's not likely to happen anymore. The authority provides 24-hour security when ships are in port, along with card lock access to the terminal. The authority plans to augment its network of surveillance cameras and add extra security beyond its three-member team, especially when Great Lakes cruise ships dock at Keefer Terminal.

"We've been hiring temporary security firms to help augment our forces," by controlling access to these vessels, says Heney.

The next security phase being discussed in Ottawa is issuing identity cards for port workers and doing background checks.

"This has gone full circle. In the old days, we used to have our own police force with the port authority," says Heney.

Heney says the authority would rather not have to pass on security costs to port users through added fees.

"Transportation is very cost-driven and the system has lots of competition from alternative modes, such as rail. We really don't want to add any costs if we can help it," though some U.S. ports are considering implementing security surcharges.

A Transport Canada spokesperson says the department is consulting with various stakeholders, including port managers to assemble an information package on criteria for accessing funding.

www.portauthority.thunder-bay.on.ca

By IAN ROSS 

Northern Ontario Business