Security Threats and Vulnerabilities in Different Ports

Security Threats and Vulnerabilities in Ports
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Abstract
Ports have always acted as a crucial link to the movement of goods throughout the world. This transportation mechanism has consistently helped in sustaining global economic growth. It is generally acknowledged that a security issue at the ports, such as an attack, would have long-term economic damage to that country and its trading partners. Today’s shipping container is the main asset used to transport cargo aboard commercial shipping vessels. Criminals have taken advantage of these containers by shipping illicit drugs and contraband goods, trafficking humans, and employing weapons of mass destruction within their targets. This research employs
a case study approach by using a qualitative research method to identify and explore security issues and threats in ports. The empirical data for the study was collected using secondary sources like journal articles, books, magazines, websites, and other authentic publications. Findings show that ports are exposed to various risks and threats due to their external interactions with inland-transport carriers and sea-going vessels within maritime logistics systems.
Introduction
The rise in globalization has significantly increased the flow of people, goods, and capital across international borders. Although the activities across the international borders generate new economic opportunities, they pose increased threats to those borders (Altiok, 2011). Ports are the major entry sites of goods, which makes them highly exposed to security threats. Illegal immigration and the smuggling of goods are some of the activities that pose security risks at the ports. Terrorists, for instance, tend to look for the weakest security points at the ports, then take advantage of these security vulnerabilities to smuggle weapons and other contraband goods they use in accomplishing their mission (Bakir, 2017).
Worldwide, organized criminal groups increasingly target maritime cargoes and vessels to smuggle drugs and conduct terrorist acts. According to Bichou (2015), complex transnational security issues threaten ports and the movements of cargo in global trade. These threats include terrorism, cargo theft and fraud, piracy, smuggling of goods, and bribery and extortion (Bueger & Edmunds, 2017). Sea robbery gives a good example of the complex security issues in ports.
The nature of sea robbery calls for the inclusion of waterside and landside access to ports as security controls. However, inadequate financial resources, discrepancies in the jurisdictional authorities, and equipment problems are making it difficult for some countries to address this issue (Carpenter, 2013). A corporation from multinational governments and the international commercial maritime industry is also needed to find solutions. The global trade community and the world economy constituents must partner in this responsibility.
Research Objectives
1 To identify the security threats and vulnerabilities in ports
2 To identify the possible solutions to security threats and vulnerabilities.
Research Question
This study aims to...