Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Small Boats, Big Worries: Thwarting Terrorist Attacks from the Sea
Excellent article on small craft homeland security related issues from the The Heritage Foundation.The Small-Boat Threat
The definition of "small-boat threat" encompasses a variety of possible weapon-delivery vehicles, tactics, and payloads. Vessels include everything from large craft such as small freighters, large privately owned yachts, fishing trawlers, and commercial tugs to dinghies, jet-skies, and submarines, including mini-submarines like those used by the Japanese in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
An attack could involve suicide bombers, as in the case of the attack on the USS Cole, or vessels on autopilot or remotely controlled. Improvised explosive devices could be delivered or emplaced by boats or swimmers (assisted or unassisted by breathing devices). This could involve placing a "parasite" on the hull of a craft or deploying tethered (anchored to the sea bottom) or untethered (floating) mines in a sea lane, waterway, or port traffic area.
Besides conventional explosives, the bombers could detonate nuclear, biological, chemical, or radiological devices. Attacks could occur while the targeted ship is docked at shore, approaching a port, sailing in international waters, or in U.S. or Canadian coastal waterways. In addition to ships, attacks could target port facilities; commercial infrastructure (e.g., an entertainment pier, bridge piling, or pipeline); or public events.
Labels: floating security barrier, floating security barriers, maritime domain security, port security barrier, port security barriers, small craft intrusion barrier
No Silver Bullet for Thwarting Terrorists Aboard Small Boats
Excellent article on small craft homeland security related issues from the National Defense Industrial Association.No Silver Bullet for Thwarting Terrorists Aboard Small Boats
Interesting excerpt:
The 9/11 attacks proved that terrorists can use virtually any vehicle to strike.
Small boats are no exception. And experts agree they will remain a weapon of choice in the maritime environment, given their low cost, ease of deployment and success record.
“I have believed for the last two years since I’ve been commandant that the small vessel threat is something that we need to look at and consider more seriously,” said Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen.
Small boats can hide in the clutter of military, commercial and recreational vessel traffic at U.S. ports, where unregulated pleasure craft buzz near high-profile military and commercial ships — prime targets for terrorists.
In the past, local law enforcement was tasked with defending ports from small boats. Now DHS is moving toward more interagency cooperation and an increased use of technology to tackle the threat. But its plans are no silver bullet, and recreational boaters fret over the consequences.
Small boats provide terrorists with a myriad of options. They could be used in suicide attacks, as was the case in 2000 when al-Qaida operatives in Yemen rammed an explosives-laden dinghy into the USS Cole, killing 17 U.S. sailors. They could attack ships docked at shore, entering ports or sailing off the coast. They could deliver nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological devices, or be used to mine harbors, wrote James Carafano, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, in a paper entitled, “Small Boats, Big Worries: Thwarting Terrorist Attacks from the Sea.”
Labels: floating security barrier, floating security barriers, port security barrier, port security barriers
Monday, March 02, 2009
Wave Dispersion Technologies Signs $100 million Floating Security Barrier Agreement
Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. Signs Partnership Agreement with Abu Dhabi’s International Golden Group, Initial Value in excess of $100 million USD Abu Dhabi, UAE, Summit, NJ, March 2, 2009- Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT) and International Golden Group (IGG) have entered into a strategic partnership agreement for the provision of Floating Security Barriers (FSB) / Vessel Exclusion Barriers (VEB) to be installed at critical maritime infrastructure sites in the UAE encompassing oil, gas, power generation, and desalination facilities.
The contract covers 3 years, including the initial contract period with options, and has a value of USD $100 million, if all options are exercised and performance incentives are achieved. The initial production of the contract is being manufactured in Norfolk, VA, USA. The contract provides that WDT will utilize its WhisprWave® Technology to ultimately manufacture FSB components locally in the UAE and provide related maritime services in support of the protective systems.
The initial phase of this agreement is to undertake a pilot project at one of the critical maritime infrastructure sites in Abu Dhabi. Following a successful pilot project with security issues achieved as planned, the partnership agreement will be extended to cover other critical maritime infrastructure sites within the UAE.
The FSB is designed with inherent flexibility to provide a platform that enables the addition of CCTV, Radar, Sonar, Anti-Swimmer Detection and Anti-Intrusion Detection Systems. Moreover, the system will act as a limited wave attenuator and with the addition of an attached oil boom will limit the affected area of oil spills.
According to Mr. Fadil Al Kaabi, CEO of IGG, “This partnership represents a great example of the cooperation between the UAE and USA in sharing technology and expertise to help secure our critical national maritime infrastructure. We look forward to working with WDT to further market this technology throughout the Middle East.”
According to Dennis G. Smith, CEO of WDT, “WDT has successfully marketed and installed its WhisprWave® Technology in the USA, and elsewhere, but this agreement represents a true extension and prime example of cooperation by the USA to meet the UAE’s need for cutting edge technologies and foresight to proactively protect its critical maritime infrastructure. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with IGG.”
About Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc.:
www.whisprwave.com - The Global Leader in Maritime Homeland Port Security Barrier & Buoy Protection Systems
Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT) has developed the patented WhisprWave® floating articulated breakwater technology to afford erosion control protection to shoreline beaches, coastal marinas, anchorages, and other areas subject to destructive erosive wave / wake forces. In addition the WhisprWave® security barrier designs are currently installed, being demonstrated or being reviewed by many US Government Agencies and Foreign Sovereigns including but not limited to the US Army Corp of Engineers "USACE", US Navy "USN", US Coast Guard "USCG", US Army "USA", USMC MEF Iraq, US Bureau of Reclamation "USBR", UAE CNIA, NAOC, and other clients for applications that range from Homeland Security / Force Protection to Beach Erosion Protection to Marina Wave & Wake Protection.
WhisprWave® breakwater technology has wide ranging maritime applications from erosion control to homeland security. The Company has been developing the technology for over 10 years and holds 9 Domestic and International Patents for the WhisprWave®'s unique design and utility, with an additional 23 patents pending.
WDT is a Listed Featured Private Company on www.homelanddefensestocks.com, www.borderandportsecurity.com, and the Investor Ideas Home page www.investorideas.com
About International Golden Group:
International Golden Group LLC is a well established company in Abu Dhabi-UAE specialized in providing High-end Security & Defense Solutions with an excellent reputation in the UAE and Gulf market.
IGG has entered into long-term strategic business alliances with other local and international companies relying on a professional team of highly dedicated and experienced personnel along with a worldwide network of agents and affiliates committed to providing high- level services to its customers.
Through the implementation of the latest advanced technology, IGG is now capable to supply a variety of military, security, civilian and COTS products and technical solutions for various purposes related to the security needs of its clients.
International Golden Group LLC has positioned itself to become soon a first-class manufacturer of special products for the local and regional defense markets.
Contact:
Managing Director
Jonathan B. Smith
248-229-9010
jbsmith@whisprwave.com
Media / Investors:
Dawn Van Zant, dvanzant@HomelandDefenseStocks.com
www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com, www.InvestorIdeas.com
Source: Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc
Labels: abu dhabi, floating security barrier, floating security barriers, igg, maritime critical infrastructure security, port security barrier, port security barriers
Thursday, February 26, 2009
WDT CEO Meets with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Announces AED 67 mm Contract
Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT) Chairman and CEO Dennis G. Smith meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Mr. Mohammed Al Ka’abi, IGG’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, at the WDT's trade show booth at IDEX. They spent about five minutes discussing a number of issues about WDT's recently announced contract to provide Floating Security Barriers (FSB's) to the Critical National Infrastructure Authority.CNIA and IGG sign AED 67 million contract for security water barriers
ABU DHABI, 25th Feb. 2009 (WAM): The Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) has signed an agreement with International Golden Group (IGG) to construct water security barrier systems in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The three-year agreement is worth AED 67 million. The agreement was signed at IDEX 2009 by CNIA’s Director General, Brigadier Engineer Muhair Ali Al Khateri, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IGG, Mr. Mohammed Hilal Sorour Al Ka'abi. Present at the signing ceremony were a number of officials from CNIA and IGG.
Brigadier Engineer Al Khateri said, "The agreement aims to protect the coastal critical infrastructure and prevent attempts to sabotage or damage them. The agreement also aims to prevent environmental pollution by stopping and containing oil spills, indicating protected areas, and providing security and protection for oil tankers through controlling routes. The agreement also seeks to secure smooth oil export operations and minimize risks to water conditions up to 40% during bad weather." He added that in addition to high durability and resistance, the water security barriers are characterized by high elasticity, easy installation and mobility on any area. The barriers are designed to provide maritime homeland security by allowing for radars, observation cameras and rooms and weapons platforms. These types of security barriers are in use in the United States, Nigeria and other countries.
Mr. Mohammed Al Ka’abi, IGG’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "IGG has built a strategic partnership with Wave Dispersion Technologies, a leading U.S. manufacturer of several designs of a modular water barrier system known as WhisprWave, which meets the requirements of critical sites." He further noted that IGG is showcasing its exclusive new defence systems at IDEX 2009.
Labels: abu dhabi, crown prince, floating security barrier, floating security barriers, igg, port security barrier, port security barriers
Monday, June 23, 2008
SCIB Featured on the Cover of "Pacific Maritime Magazine"
Labels: port of los angeles, port security barrier, port security barriers, psb, scib, small craft intrusion barrier, whisprwave
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Port of LA Security Exercises Features WhisprWave® Small Craft Intrusion Barrier™ ("SCIB™") Deployment
Labels: port security barrier, port security barriers, scib, small craft intrusion barrier, whisprwave
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Floating Security Barrier + Erosion Control - Dual Capabilities
We just took a look at our installation at USCG ISC Almeda CA, on Google Earth, and were amazed to see, that in addition to physical security, the Small Craft Intrusion Barrier™ (SCIB™) installation was also providing wave attenuation protection to the security zone (Note: Ripples in the channel and calm water inside the security zone).
The WhisprWave® line of products were originally invented and designed to serve as an erosion control solution and evolved, due to market demand, into a range port security applications. The attached photo demonstrates the dual capabilities of the system, better than we could have ever hoped. We are continually amazed by the flexibility, survivability, scalability and range of applications of the WhisprWave® line of floating security barriers and floating breakwaters.
If you want to know more about how WhisprWave® can help you with your waterside security or erosion control solutions, please feel free to contact us at 908.233.7503 or info@whisprwave.com.
Labels: floating breakwater, floating security barrier, floating security barriers, port security barrier, port security barriers
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Government Lacks Clear Plans to ID Small Vessels Used as Terrorist Weapons
Small boats have been used by terrorists to carry out attacks around the world and they are likely to be employed as weapons in U.S. waterways, the government has recently warned.
Officials believe small vessels — defined as those less than 300 gross tons — are a potential threat because they are easy to obtain and there are few defenses in place to stop them from being used as a platform to launch an attack.
“We are very concerned about people doing harm with small vessels because we have breaches every week,” said Dana Goward, director of Coast Guard maritime domain awareness. An estimated 14 unidentified boats reach U.S. shores each week.
DHS and the Coast Guard have put the spotlight on the possibility of such an attack, emphasizing the need to protect U.S. waterways. But despite efforts to create new security measures, officials are failing to garner the support of small boat owners and operators because of the lack of a clear, cohesive plan.
Full Story
Labels: floating security barrier, floating security barriers, port security barrier, port security barriers, scib, whisprwave
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Screening system protects ports from deadly cargo
(PopSci.com) -- To security experts, the immense cargo ships that ferry more than 11 million containers into this country annually are potential Trojan horses -- each one could easily harbor a WMD, such as a dirty bomb.
Typically, only once the ships have been unloaded is their cargo subjected to random inspections and radiation scans. "There is an urgent need to effectively screen cargo before it reaches the ports," says Charles Meade, a senior scientist at the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit think tank.
Now Florida start-up SeaAway has developed a security system that would move cargo screening 14 miles offshore to the safety of the open seas. The plan calls for pairs of 100-foot-wide platforms anchored outside the world's major ports. Equipped with an array of sensors and unmanned surveillance drones, the system monitors for chemical, biological and nuclear traces as ships travel between the platforms.
SeaAway proposes a passage fee of $20 per container -- roughly double average port fees -- to help authorities offset the $100-million cost of each system. Tax breaks for shippers could help curb costs, notes Steve Kroecker, SeaAway's founder and vice president.
Full Story
Labels: cargo screening, cargo security, port security barrier, seaaway
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Rules Skirted, Millions Wasted on Navy Boat Barriers
By Scott Higham and Robert O'Harrow Jr.Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, May 24, 2007; A01
Full Story
Excerpt from the story:
After the Cole bombing, the Navy decided it would deploy hundreds of 82-foot-long, 8-foot-wide, floating rubberized barriers to prevent terrorists from getting close to its ships while in port. The barriers would be held in place by a system of anchors, large foam buoys and chains. A network of underwater sensors would detect potential threats.
NCIS had preferred contractors it wanted to hire for the job, auditors would find, and it did not want to undertake an elaborate and time-consuming open competition for the work.
So NCIS turned to the GSA and a program at the time reserved for small businesses that permitted government agencies to hire companies without seeking traditional bids. The program allowed government officials to buy products and services directly from companies after their prices for labor and overhead had been approved by GSA contracting officials. GSA collects user fees from companies for helping to facilitate those kinds of transactions.
In the boat-barrier case, the GSA, at the request of NCIS, selected Northern NEF of Colorado Springs as the prime contractor for the project, documents show.
Northern was a small technology firm -- small enough that did not have to compete under federal rules for government contracts unless they were worth more than $3 million. It had never worked on a boat-barrier project before, but it had worked for the Pentagon on other projects.
Northern was told by NCIS officials to hire P-Con Consulting of Alexandria. The company's sole employee was Patrick Condon, who already worked as a security consultant to NCIS. Condon received a title for his role in the project: deputy program manager for Navy boat barriers.
"Northern NEF officials said they had been directed by the Navy to procure the barriers through the consulting firm instead of dealing directly with the manufacturer," auditors wrote in a 2004 report. "We found documentary evidence that showed the consulting firm was the Navy's 'recommended' contractor."
P-Con, in turn, hired a company in England to manufacture the barriers and one in Northern Virginia to install them.
The former director of government programs for Northern, Dave Nelson, said in a recent interview that he did not know why NCIS selected his company or why his company was directed to hire P-Con.
"Northern played middleman," Nelson said.
Northern stayed below the $3 million threshold when it sought payments for the work from the GSA, invoices show. Each individual payment was approved by NCIS and the GSA as though they were separate projects, even though the work was being done under one contract.
Federal contracting regulations prohibit splitting up payments to avoid competition limits.
"Almost all of the over $53 million in boat barrier harbor tasks we analyzed were split to avoid the competitive threshold," GSA auditors wrote in their report.
Between September 2001 and February 2003, at least 30 invoices came in under the $3 million limit. Three examples:
· 55 boat barriers for $2.6 million on Sept. 28, 2001.
· 24 for $1.4 million on Oct. 1.
· 58 for $2.9 million on Oct. 12.
On May 9, 2002, three invoices came in for an identical amount -- $2,956,762 each. On Feb. 14, 2003, six invoices came in for $2,678,813 apiece.
GSA officials later told auditors they "believed each order represented a discrete boat-barrier system installed at a discrete harbor, but this was clearly not the case."
Nelson said Northern officials knew the project was being structured to stay beneath the $3 million cap. But he said company officials believed that it was being done properly by NCIS and GSA in the interests of speed and national security.
"It was pretty obvious what they were doing," said Nelson, who is now at another company. "We figured somebody who was in authority knew what they were doing. We didn't go out and try to win this work. It just came our way."
At each step in the process, Northern and P-Con received a percentage of the proceeds from the project.
For example, the base cost for each boat barrier was supposed to be $45,250. Northern charged a 4.8 percent fee for "acting as GSA's order administrator," the auditors said. P-Con charged a 7.5 percent on all expenses as a "Consultant Markup." The final cost to taxpayers for each boat barrier was $50,978.65, auditors estimated.
Even larger markups took place for the installation of the barriers and the buoys to hold them in place, documents show. The base cost for each buoy was supposed to be $31,000. The company responsible for installing the barriers added a 9.8 percent administrative fee and another unspecified 20 percent fee. Company officials told auditors the fees were the standard industry markup.
Northern charged another 5 percent fee. The final cost to taxpayers for each buoy was $42,825.68, documents show.
"Millions of dollars were wasted by compensating the contractors for doing little more than placing orders with other favored contractors to do the actual work," the auditors said.
Resources:
- Dunlop Fabrications
- GAO
- GSA
- Midlantic Security
- Naval Criminal Investigative Services
- Northern NEF (acquired by CompuCom)
- Washington Post
Labels: floating security barrier, floating security barriers, navy boat barrier, navy boat barriers, port security barrier, port security barriers
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Drownings draw more talk of dam, spillway safety measures
In Illinois, barriers have been added at Lakes Shelbyville and Carlyle in the past few years. The lakes are among the more than 400 across the country owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The barrier at Shelbyville, an 11,000-acre lake about 30 miles southeast of Decatur, was added a few years ago for $57,000, said Alan Dooley, spokesman for the Corps of Engineers St. Louis District.
Signs on the lake had long warned boaters and others to stay at least 600 feet away from the spillway that empties into the Kaskaskia River, Dooley said."
You do want to provide that additional, I guess you'd call it a passive safety measure," he added.
The Shelbyville barrier was built by a New Jersey company, Wave Dispersion Technologies Inc. It's essentially a long cable held on the top of the water by tightly spaced plastic floats.
At $200 to $250 a foot, company owner Dennis Smith said the barriers provide both security - blocking access to anyone who might want to damage or destroy a dam - and safety.
"Usually the dams just need a barrier where something won't float over it if (their boat is)
disabled," Smith said. "It'll stop somebody from drifting over."
Full Story
Labels: dam security, dnr, floating security barrier, port security barrier, scib, small craft intrusion barrier, us army corps of engineers, usace, wave dispersion technologies, whisprwave
