Ninth Consecutive “Excellent” Coast Guard Security Assessment Awarded to Port of Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD - For the ninth consecutive year, the public marine terminals at the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore received a top rating of ‘excellent’ on a security assessment from the U.S. Coast Guard for 2017. The Coast Guard conducts annual and thorough examinations of the Port’s six public marine terminals: Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal), Fairfield and Masonville.

“The Port of Baltimore has a consistent record as one of the most productive and secure ports in the nation,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The Port continues to be one of Maryland’s leading economic engines and our administration congratulates everyone who had a role in this well-deserved recognition.”

Each year Coast Guard Sector Baltimore conducts a comprehensive inspection of the Port’s public marine terminals to ensure they are within compliance of federal security regulations. The visual inspection includes a review of access control procedures and makes certain that physical security fixtures, such as high-mast lighting and fencing are up to federal security standards.

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA), which oversees the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals, has moved forward in recent years with many new security initiatives and enhancements including closed circuit television, cyber security, and stronger access control technologies.

”The success of this year’s exam was due in large measure to the outstanding professionalism, commitment and dedication exhibited by the Port’s Security Department, Maryland Transportation Authority Police and Allied Barton,” said U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port L.P. Harrison, Jr., in a letter to MDOT MPA Executive Director James J. White. “I appreciate and commend these efforts as they greatly enhance our ability to meet our mutual goal of maintaining the safety and security of the Port of Baltimore.”

Recently, the MDOT MPA announced that 2017 was a record year of business for the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals. The public terminals handled a record 10.7 million tons of general cargo and a record 596,972 containers. Last year, the Port’s public and private marine terminals combined to handle a record 807,194 cars and light trucks, the seventh consecutive year the Port of Baltimore has led the nation’s ports in that commodity. The Port of Baltimore was also named the fourth fastest-growing North American port and was recognized for the third consecutive year for being one of the most efficient U.S. container ports.

Business at the Port of Baltimore generates about 13,650 direct jobs, while about 127,600 jobs in Maryland are linked to Port activities. The Port is responsible for nearly $3 billion in personal wages and salary and more than $300 million in state and local tax revenues.