CSI to expand to Oman, Portugal

CSI to expand to Oman, Portugal    Oman has agreed to host U.S. customs officers at the Port of Salalah to help identify high-risk cargo shipments for close inspection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced.
   Oman is the second Middle East nation to sign onto the Container Security Initiative, a U.S. cargo security program launched after the 2001 terrorist attacks to screen cargo before it reaches domestic ports. Under the program, U.S. inspectors use advance shipping and other data to flag suspicious shipments and request local customs officials to inspect them before loading on a vessel. U.S. Customs officers are stationed at 41 ports around the world, including Dubai.
   By the end of 2006, CBP’s plans to have CSI operations in 50 ports.
   The U.S. Energy Department will loan Oman automated radiation detection equipment as part of a joint effort with CBP to prevent smuggling of nuclear or other radiological materials.
   Next month CSI will expand to the port of Lisbon, Portugal, Commissioner Robert Bonner said in a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before he left office. Portuguese officials committed to join CSI last July.