Admirals and administrators affirm that President Joe Biden’s February order is enhancing security measures at ports, preventing Chinese-made cranes from posing threats through spying or sabotage. The United States Coast Guard and federal maritime agencies have taken immediate actions to address vulnerabilities to cyber attacks, particularly concerning the use of Chinese-manufactured cranes in U.S. ports. The Coast Guard has implemented a strengthened cyber security program in response to potential risks identified in these cranes.
The executive order issued by President Biden prohibits the purchase of ZPMC cranes and authorizes the domestic manufacturing of ship-to-shore cranes by PACECO Corp. Additionally, the Coast Guard has enhanced its cyber protection teams to identify and mitigate threats, while also engaging with industry support and conducting cyber exercises. The Coast Guard is also set to release a report on cyber trends and insights in the marine environment to aid stakeholders in addressing cyber risks.
Furthermore, the Coast Guard has prescribed conditions and restrictions for waterfront facilities and vessels, including specific risk-management actions for owners and operators of cranes manufactured by Chinese companies. The agency is working closely with crane owners and operators to ensure compliance with these new requirements.
MARAD, which manages navigable channels and marine terminals nationwide, is also launching cyber initiatives to enhance port security. The agency chairs the National Port Readiness Network and provides grants to ports to mitigate security risks. These measures aim to safeguard against potential cyber threats and ensure the readiness of commercial seaports to support national security efforts. The projects that fail to adequately address these risks will need to do so before receiving funds as per the Fiscal Year 2023 defense budget. MARAD has been directed to lead a study to assess potential cyber security or national security risks posed by foreign manufacturer cranes in American ports that are set to be delivered soon.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a former Miami city manager and Miami-Dade County mayor, has commended the administration’s initial action on this matter. He emphasized the importance of continuing to explore this critical topic to ensure that our ports are protected from security threats. Mr. Gimenez has proposed the ‘Port Crane Security & Inspection Act’ to provide the Coast Guard and federal agencies responsible for safeguarding maritime ports with the necessary tools and authorities to deter hostile actors from operating against our ports.
Furthermore, House Transportation & Infrastructure Committeeâs Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chair Rep. Daniel Webster highlighted that the threat extends beyond cranes, citing the Port of Los Angeles facing approximately 40 million cyber-attacks per month. He emphasized the need to address China’s influence in the maritime domain, which poses a threat to the global maritime transportation sector.
The House Homeland Security Committeeâs Select Committee on Strategic Competition has raised concerns regarding Chinese manufacturer ZPMC and its relationship with the CCP. A recent investigation discovered Chinese malware on vital infrastructure related to the port system, raising suspicions about potential compromises by the CCP.
In light of these developments, it is crucial to address the vulnerabilities associated with PRC-manufactured port cranes and the potential risks they pose to national security. The proposed legislation aims to enhance security measures at U.S. seaports and mitigate the threats posed by foreign-manufactured equipment. Please rewrite the following sentence.
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