Our nation’s water ports are crucial to both the U.S. and global economies, serving as hubs for moving raw materials, finished goods and cruise-bound vacationers to every corner of the world. Today’s international trade is so interconnected that even short stoppages at any large port resonate worldwide — pointing out the vital need for robust port security plans.
Though critical, port security is a tall order. The U.S. navigable transportation network includes 361 ports on more than 25,000 miles of waterways, including oceans, rivers and lakes. Deep-draft ports alone support more than 30 million employees, according to the American Association of Port Authorities. The value of ports to national, state and local economies warrants their inclusion as a critical infrastructure sector.