The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognizes Westports for its security measures in the loading US-bound containerized maritime cargo.
After the 9/11 attacks the United States instituted various initiatives to increase the layers of security, improve monitoring at points of entry, and strengthen information sharing both internally and globally, and the US Dept of Homeland Security is empowered to introduce measures designed to protect Americans from the threat of a terrorist attack.
Towards this end, the department has not only tightened up security procedures at the home front, working in collaboration with the U.S.National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) it has also implemented security initiatives which are designed to thwart terrorist activities at leading international seaports.
Two of the most important security measures that have wide-ranging effect on maritime trade and seaport operations globally are the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and the Megaports Initiative (MPI).
The CSI allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) officers to work hand-in-hand with host government customs enforcement agencies to examine U.S. bound maritime container cargo at foreign seaports before they are loaded on board vessels destined for the United States.
Within this framework Westport is added to the list of 58 foreign ports participating in the CSI and is designated as an internationally-recognized 'Safe and Secure Port'.