Few ports around the world have complied with the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code due to take effect on July 1, an expert working for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) warned on Monday.

Frank Wall, a consultant with the United Nations maritime body, told a security seminar the majority of some 55,000 ships operating worldwide are on their way to complying with the IMO security measures.

But only 34 of an estimated 15,000 ports worldwide have approved security plans, he said.

The rules are required for all ports, oil and gas terminals and merchant ships that engage in international trade.

"We know less about ports than we do about ships. We have less information about ports partly because countries are not putting out the information," Wall said.

"I think basically because the focus initially was seen on ships, the message didn't get down to port facilities as fast as it should have," said Wall, who was formerly the head of shipping policy at the United Kingdom's Department for Transport.

Wall said some countries are holding back information on port compliance levels until they have the complete data while others, like the United Kingdom, with its involvement in Iraq, are not putting out lists of non-compliant ports for security reasons.

He added some countries do not have the necessary legislation in place, while others have not even appointed the authority responsible for port facility security.

IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos last week said statistics from 35 governments with 5,578 port facilities showed only about 23 percent have submitted security plans. Only 301 have been approved.

Commentary
According to BDP sources, twelve 12 flag-states represent 80 percent of the sea carriers that call on U.S. ports. All 12 flag-states / carriers have been ISPS certified.

As a starting p[oint, BDP clients and others involved in international trade (both shippers and receivers) around the world would be well-served to reach out to their designated carriers prior to July 1, to confirm they are ISPS code certified. By doing so, you will have taken some degree of action to minimize the potential for supply chain delays (due to increased inspections that "may" begin to occur after July 1. Again, common sense will need to be in large order as business goes on.

We will continue to watch this issue, work with BDP Transport carrier partners and communicate when warranted.

Thank you.