Maritime security : container security shipping and trade current issues (container port security - Singapore)

Abstract

Singapore has been holding the position as the leading transhipment hub of Asia for many years and recently the development of the new Tuas mega port is in the works. This calls for a need to evaluate the security landscape of the container port in order to adequately protect this ever growing critical infrastructure of Singapore. Thus, the aim of this research paper was to determine the top security threat posed to the container transport chain in the context of Singapore, specifically at the container port. It was achieved through the use of risk assessment matrix, which considered the ratings of both the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of consequences of the security threats that were identified in the literature review section. The ratings were attained through conducting surveys with relevant port industry players and maritime security personnel. The results revealed the ranking according to the risk value of the security threats, where a cybersecurity threat emerged as top. Subsequently, the paper also sought to evaluate the current measures put in place to tackle the identified threat category along with further recommendations focusing on future measures, such as working on the human factor and leveraging on new technology to strengthen container port security.