UK Port of Liverpool Receives C-TPAT Accreditation

Peel Ports operators of the Port of Liverpool, says it has been accredited by US Customs and Border Protection as a certified partner in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme.

The accreditation system validates ‘best in class’ security and detection capabilities aimed at identifying illegal cargo being transported to and from the US, helping to reduce the threat of international terrorism.  All organisations accredited under the partnership scheme have demonstrated the highest standards in security processes and systems.  As a result, inspections are less likely at C-TPAT member ports and accreditation provides a smoother transition for goods imported into the US.

In addition to the cost and time efficiencies achieved in the movement of legitimate goods through the programme, C-TPAT accreditation supports the security authorities in focusing their efforts on inspecting ‘higher risk’ shipments.

C-TPAT is a voluntary public-private sector partnership programme which was introduced in November 2001 to extend the United States’ zone of security to the point of origin, as an acknowledgement of the threats posed by international terrorist organisations. Having started with just seven major importers, there are now 10,000 certified partners across the global trade community, accounting for over 50% (by value) of the commodities imported into the United States.

Dave Galt, Chief Police Officer at Peel Ports, which operates the Port of Liverpool, said: “We’re very proud of the high security standards we have in place, and this independent validation underlines our commitment to those standards. It’s essential for us, our customers and the wider community that we can all have confidence in port security, and the successful certification of C-TPAT identifies Liverpool as a port which puts security at its heart and maintains the high standards set by US Customs and Border Protection for US shippers transporting goods to and from the UK.”
 
All aspects of the port’s security profile including its extensive supply chain were assessed as part of the rigorous process.  Security measures at the Port of Liverpool include extensive CCTV coverage, high security fencing, mobile security and dedicated secure areas for US bound ships. Located within a gated community, the port has a low recorded crime rate and high detection rate compared to that of the UK national average.
 
Geoff Fenwick of United States Custom and Border Protection said: “We would like to welcome the Peel Ports – Port of Liverpool to the C-TPAT program. By participating, the Port of Liverpool has indicated the importance of securing the global supply chain.”
 
The Port of Liverpool is currently undergoing a £300 million investment programme by Peel Ports called Liverpool2, which will see an expansion and development of the existing Port of Liverpool to become the UK’s largest transatlantic deep-sea port and container terminal. Once completed in late 2015, it will be able to accommodate most of the world’s current fleet of container vessel types and will offer shipping lines a unique opportunity to connect ships of up to 13,500 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) directly to the heart of the UK.