In preparation for the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code entering into force on 1 July 2004, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), PSA Singapore Terminals (PSA) and Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) today conducted a joint maritime security exercise for the first time. The aim of the exercise is to test the operational effectiveness of the ship and port security plans that have been put in place in accordance to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)'s ISPS Code, and the readiness of these organisations in providing a co-ordinated response to possible threats to maritime security.

The joint exercise was conducted onboard the vessel 'M.V. APL JAPAN' which was berthed at PSA's Brani Container Terminal. The vessel belongs to NOL subsidiary APL and is managed by another NOL subsidiary, Neptune Shipmanagement Pte Ltd (NSSPL). The scenario played out in today's exercise involved a security threat that required MPA to raise the security level from level 1 to level 3. The heightened security level activated both the PSA and 'M.V. APL JAPAN' approved Port Facility and Ship Security Plans, respectively. During the exercise, other government agencies such as the Auxillary Police - AETOS, Singapore Police Force (Special Operations Command & Police Coast Guard), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority and the Republic of Singapore Navy also deployed their resources both on land and sea to support and respond to the security threat.

As part of his two-day visit, Mr E Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the IMO was present to observe first hand the ship and port security plans activated and the co-ordinated efforts by the various parties involved in this first joint maritime security exercise. Key maritime representatives including Mr David Lim, NOL Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms Grace Fu, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Terminals, PSA and RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Chief Executive, MPA also observed the exercise.

The joint exercise reflects Singapore's seriousness in complying with the ISPS Code to safeguard the maritime activities in the Singapore port. Commenting on the security exercise, RAdm Lui Tuck Yew, Chief Executive, MPA said, "We are facing a very different maritime environment today, with maritime security high on the agenda. Today's joint maritime security exercise is a reflection of the seriousness Singapore places in ensuring that its ships and port facilities comply with the ISPS Code."

He added to say, "Ensuring a safe and secure port or ship is a shared responsibility. The exercise today not only validated the effectiveness of our security plans but it also highlighted the close co-operation among the Singapore enforcement agencies, PSA and NOL, in executing their plans effectively and expediently. Our security plans, whether it is for ship or port facility, have worked well on the ground. The concentrated efforts of the relevant parties are commendable. Looking ahead, we intend to have future exercises include other terminal operators and shipping lines."

"This is an important and strategic issue that must be taken seriously. We are certainly committed to doing our part," said NOL's David Lim. "It is harder for terrorists to succeed if there is a close and effective working relationship between the authorities and the shipping community. Exercises such as this both practice security procedures and help build those relationships."

Said Ms Grace Fu, CEO, PSA Singapore Terminals, "Security is a priority at PSA. In the face of heightened security threat, it is in the interest of the port and maritime industry to take the initiative in ensuring that international trade remains safe, secured but efficient. In this aspect, we look forward to working with our partners along the logistic chain to achieve our common objective of ensuring safe and efficient movement of goods."

The MPA will continue to conduct security exercises with the Singapore enforcement agencies, port facilities and ship owners to ensure that the port facilities and ship security plans work well on the ground.

End of Release.