Analysing threats, policies and solutions in port security

Port and harbour security became an issue of growing concern in the wake of the September 2001 (9/11) attacks on the US, the attacks on the naval destroyers USS The Sullivans and USS Cole while tied up in the Port of Aden in Yemen in 2000, and the French oil tanker Limberg in 2002. Prior to these attacks the main focus of port security was often directed at landside threats such as the theft of cargo from containers, warehouses, or ships berthed in port. Securing perimeter fencing to prevent thieves from accessing the port area including warehouses was often the main concern, particularly in ports adjacent to urban areas. Similarly, there is potential for undocumented migrants to enter a port and attempt to stow away on ships, in containers or in trucks parked in the port area.