Port of Long Beach opens US$21m security centre

The facility will also act as a coordination and communications hub for various local and federal security agencies and maritime organisations protecting the harbour complex, including the coast guard, customs and border protection and the local police.

Representing the port’s commitment to state-of-the-art security technology and operational techniques, James Hankla, president of the Harbour Commissioners, said, “We have one of the most innovative security operations of any seaport in the United States and this centre further adds to our ability to provide the best possible protection.”

Safety and security have been top priorities at the port which continually updates its business operation contingency plans in the event of an emergency. It is estimated that a shutdown of the port complex would cost the US economy about US$1bn a day.