Following the events of 11 September 2001, maritime and port security has generated significant attention, both at the

national and the international level. A terrorist incident directed at the international transportation system could lead to interrupted service, port and terminal closures and delays to cargo and passenger traffic with potentially catastrophic effects on world trade. To address the problem a number of initiatives have been introduced to put in place measures to enhance the security of international maritime trade. Implementation of these initiatives clearly involves extra costs in terms of purchase of equipment, additional staff and new procedures along the international supply chain, which will be passed on to the cargo interests. The following is a brief description of some of the main developments.

_ The ISPS Code does offer enhancements that will not only bolster the security measures imposed on ships but also significantly increase security at the ports they visit _The elements of ISPS Code will help reduce the risk of terrorism and crime and greatly improve the development of a uniform security culture _ Ports are expected to maintain high security standards by passengers from the Western countries, especially the U.S. and the U.K. _ Increased level of security in the ports, in return, enables the healthy viability of operations _ Advanced port security level facilitates the achievement of higher marketing targets _ Revenue stream from additional security charge

There are potential commercial benefits to the maritime industry in implementing the Code. It seems clear that, in the long run, implementation of the Code should provide considerable cost-benefit for the port industry as a whole and for individual ports. By putting in place an effective and compliant security regime, ports will be able to continue to participate fully in global trade and, of course, the potential economic consequences of a major security breach, which might result in disruption or even port closure, are serious indeed.