Security overhaul at ports

By STUART DYE

Counter-terrorism measures will be introduced at ports and shipping companies under new legislation.

The Maritime Security Bill, introduced in Parliament yesterday, will overhaul security arrangements to lessen the risk of terrorism on the high seas.

It will require ports and ship-owning companies to undertake detailed security risk assessments. These will be used to develop plans tailored to address the security risks.

The legislation also provides searching and screening powers for authorised people such as police or customs officers and maritime security officers.

The powers would be exercised only in particular circumstances, such as an increased level of terrorist threat, and would be designed to prevent unauthorised weapons or dangerous items being brought on to a ship or into a port.

The bill has been introduced to allow the security requirements to be implemented by July next year.

It will affect ports with international trading connections, and ships trading internationally.

It will also apply to foreign passenger ships, cargo ships over 500 tonnes and mobile offshore drilling units coming to New Zealand.