IMPROVING on their previously held third position, Transnet National Ports Authority’s Port of PE achieved second place, among all eight South African ports, in maintaining compliance with the ISPS Code, at the Department of Transport’s sixth annual Maritime Security Indaba, which took place on November 18.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is an essential maritime regulation for the safety and security of ships, ports, cargo and crew. It ensures that preventative measures can be taken in the event that a threat is determined.
The assessment and review of the port security plan becomes an essential and integral part of developing, updating and implementing the plan.
The Port of PE has thus been recognised for the on-going security improvements it has made through this plan, especially taking into account the future vision of becoming a “Smart People’s Port”.
Nelson Masophi, port security manager at the Port of PE, said, “We are very proud, not only of the Port of PE’s security team, but also of all the government agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators and seafarers who have played an integral part in ensuring that the Port of PE upholds the implementation of the ISPS Code certification, putting the safety and security of all those that enter the port in the forefront.
“It is truly the result of continuous hard work and commitment that we, as a team, were able to achieve this.”
Rajesh Dana, port manager at the Port of PE, added, “The ISPS Code second position achieved reiterates the principle that safety and security is all of our responsibility. So I not only commend the hard work that our TNPA port security team has achieved, but also the entire port community. This achievement is further testament to ensuring zero harm to our employees, customers, stakeholders and visitors.
“We are further pleased that we can assure our local and international visitors, as well as the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, that when they visit the Port of PE, they visit a safe and secure environment which prides itself on providing access to all port stakeholders, without compromise to their well-being,” he said.
