Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) is a pioneer in maritime cargo security and an active participant in numerous programmes to ensure the safe and efficient movement of cargoes through its network of ports worldwide.

Some of the security initiatives that HPH is participating in are:

HPH is a fully certified and validated member of C-TPAT. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) invited HPH in 2009 to become a member of C-TPAT at a global level, i.e. with a single membership covering all HPH business units. C-TPAT is a US government-business initiative that was introduced in 2001 following the events of 9/11. It is designed to strengthen overall supply chain and border security by working in close cooperation with the key participants in the supply chain.

One of the overall benefits to trade is that shipments from members of C-TPAT will be able to move across US borders more quickly and predictably than non-member shipments. CBP will potentially offer various benefits to C-TPAT members, most notably in the form of reduced numbers of inspections.

All business units of HPH are now certified members of C-TPAT, sharing a single C-TPAT Status Verification Interface Number (SVI). CBP maintains a register of members, and valid SVI Numbers checked via the CBP Internet C-TPAT Security Link Portal will show membership status.

The HPH SVI is available from the HPH Security Committee (SECOM) and its Standards and Guidelines Team of Regional Security Coordinators. HPH facilities continue to be compliant with the ISPS Code and maintain good security practices, coordinated globally via SECOM and the S&G Team.

As an adjunct to the above, it is also noteworthy that C-TPAT is broadly similar to the European Union’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) for supply chain participants in Europe. There are also similar programmes which follow the guidelines of the World Customs Organisation being introduced by other member Customs Administrations. Eventually it is expected that the C-TPAT and other AEO systems will offer mutual recognition of each others processes and standards, allowing even more integrated worldwide security and trade facilitation.

The ISPS Code requirements, adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), form an international framework through which ships and port facilities must operate to detect and deter international terrorism, which threatens the security of the maritime transport sector. HPH was certified ISPS Code Compliant in June 2004.

HPH has been a significant participant of this initiative, which was launched in 2002. SST is a global partnership of supply chain leaders committed to enhancing the end-to-end security and efficiency of transporting ocean cargo containers. It leverages on several different types of container technology, including Total Asset Visibility (TAV), sensor devices, GPS satellite communications systems, RFID and internet technologies.