The United States has stated that port security exchanges with Bangladesh continue to offer significant mutual benefits. Representatives from the US Coast Guard’s International Port Security (IPS) Programme conducted a country assessment in collaboration with the Bangladesh Department of Shipping from 20 to 23 January.
During this assessment, the US Coast Guard engaged directly with the Department of Shipping in a bilateral exchange of port security information and shared best practices.
Lieutenant Commander Nagy, the head of the US delegation, remarked, “The insights gained from this assessment will be utilised by ports across the country to strengthen their port security programmes, thereby enhancing the security of the global maritime transportation system. We believe these port security exchanges continue to provide substantial mutual benefits.”
The delegation leader expressed gratitude to the Department of Shipping for the opportunity to continue discussions between the two governments. These talks aim to improve port security measures in their respective countries and to gain a deeper understanding of Bangladesh’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
According to the US Embassy in Dhaka, the maritime transportation system serves as the backbone of international trade and the global economy. To establish a comprehensive approach to maritime security, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its member states developed the ISPS Code, which remains the only internationally accepted framework for implementing maritime security measures.
The US Coast Guard’s IPS Programme was established in 2003 to reinforce the implementation of the ISPS Code and to enhance understanding of maritime security measures worldwide. As part of its commitment to port security and collaboration with maritime trading partners, IPS Programme delegations request to visit partner countries every three years. During these visits, they meet with officials responsible for overseeing port security and observe the implementation of the ISPS Code within the country’s ports.
The US Embassy emphasised that the US Coast Guard is dedicated to maintaining global partnerships to improve safety and security. As part of this effort, it offers a reciprocal port security programme for foreign government officials.