25.05.04
Hapag-Lloyd already complies with the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) for preventing threats to shipping. The ISPS is due to enter force on July 1st 2004.
"Safety and quality are the keynotes of our philosophy, so it is only logical that we are among the leading companies complying with the new security regulations even before they come into force," emphasizes Michael Behrendt, chairman of the executive board of Hapag-Lloyd Group. Now the last of Hapag-Lloyd's ships was certified by the German authority responsible, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH). All Hapag-Lloyd's own units now meet the stringent security requirements of the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). Hapag-Lloyd has 25 vessels of its own, in addition to deploying 22 chartered ships.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decided on security measures for ocean shipping in December 2002 in response to the September 11th and other terrorist attacks. These will be binding for all vessels worldwide from July 1st 2004. This ISPS Code is intended to contribute to the prompt identification of terrorist or other threats and specify suitable preventive measures. "The focus is on preventing unauthorized persons or items coming or being brought on board ships," explains Michael Behrendt.
The ISPS Code requires, for instance, vessels to show a clearly visible unalterable ship identification number and to be equipped with an automatic ship identification system.
The flag state is responsible for ensuring the relevant security level and supervising compliance with the provisions. In Germany, the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency is responsible for inspections, this authority cooperating with the classification societies (for the "ship MOT"). "Hapag-Lloyd takes the international rules very seriously. I welcome the fact that it has implemented the comprehensive measures required with great expertise. It is the first German liner company to have successfully completed the ISPS certification," says Christoph Brockmann, head of the shipping section at the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency.
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