Port Strengthening Security Through Federal Grant

FEMA Port Security Grant Program Awards $1.1 Million for Cyber Security and CCTV Enhancements

  • Aug 04, 2020

The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) was awarded $1,158,589 in the most recent round of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Port Security Grant Program. The funding is designated to strengthen cyber security initiatives and CCTV capabilities at the state-owned, public marine terminals of the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedicated employees at the Port of Baltimore have continued to welcome the ships that maintain our supply chain and keep shelves stocked across our state,” said Gov. Larry Hogan. “Our world-class port is already among the most secure in the United States, and this funding supports our commitment to protect Port employees and the cargo that travels in and out of Maryland.”

For 11 consecutive years, the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals have received a top rating on an annual security assessment conducted by the Coast Guard. The Port of Baltimore was also recognized earlier this year by Security magazine in its listing of top U.S. sea and airports for ongoing security programs and initiatives.

“Security is an essential part of day-to-day operations at the Port of Baltimore, and is critical for our workers and customers,” said Greg Slater, MDOT Transportation Secretary. “Maryland’s recovery will depend on a vibrant port, and our focus on security gives clients confidence that Maryland is not only open for business, but is a secure place to conduct business.”

“The Port of Baltimore already has a stellar reputation in the maritime industry for its security program, and this grant will help us make it even better,” said Bill Doyle, executive director of MDOT MPA. “This grant reflects FEMA’s confidence in our security initiatives, and we appreciate that support.”

The Port of Baltimore generates about 15,330 direct jobs, with more than 139,180 jobs overall linked to port activities. Last year the Port of Baltimore handled a record 43.6 million tons of cargo, including more than 11 million tons of general cargo at the public marine terminals.

The Port of Baltimore ranks first among the nation’s ports for volume of autos and light trucks, roll on/roll off heavy farm and construction machinery, and imported gypsum. It ranks 11th among major U.S. ports for cargo handled and ninth nationally for total cargo value.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.