Posted on March 21, 2025
Cyber and Perimeter Security Measures Were Key Focuses of Inspection
For the 16th consecutive year, the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore received a top U.S. Coast Guard security assessment for its six state-owned, public marine terminals. The Coast Guard’s inspection of the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) facilities included a detailed review of all security protocols and procedures at the Dundalk, Seagirt, North Locust Point, South Locust Point (including the cruise passenger terminal), Fairfield, and Masonville marine terminals.
“A secure and safe Port of Baltimore is essential to protect workers and grow our State’s economy,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Congratulations to MPA Executive Director Jonathan Daniels and his team for continuing our tradition of excellence.”
Port security is a critical component to maintaining safe and effective port operations. Last year, the Port of Baltimore handled 45.9 million tons of cargo, its second-best year ever. In recent years, the MPA has significantly enhanced its security program at the Port of Baltimore’s public terminals by installing high-mast lighting and fencing, stronger gate and fence lines, and other physical security deterrents. Heightened cyber security and access control programs along with closed-circuit cameras have added to MPA’s strong security program.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland conducts an annual inspection at the Port of Baltimore’s public terminals to ensure compliance with federal security regulations. The inspection includes a thorough review of the MPA’s facility security plan and its cyber security initiatives.
“Securing one of the busiest ports in the nation is no small task and takes a full team effort,” said MPA Executive Director Daniels. “I want to recognize the great work of our MPA security, operations, and information technology departments, as well as the yeoman’s work of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and Allied Universal to make the Port of Baltimore one of the safest and most secure ports in the U.S.”
The Port of Baltimore ranked first among the nation’s ports for the volume of roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery, imported forest products and imported gypsum and ranked second for cars and light trucks. The Port attained these achievements despite interruptions in service at the port caused by the allision of the M/V Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge and resulting collapse of the bridge. But for the collapse of the Key Bridge, it is expected that 2024 would have achieved even better results.
Overall, the Port of Baltimore ranked 10th nationally for dollar value of its cargo and 11th for cargo tonnage. The Port generates more than 20,300 direct jobs, with nearly 273,000 jobs in Maryland connected to the Port of Baltimore.
