MAERSK SEALAND JOINS C-TPAT

MAERSK SEALAND JOINS C-TPAT    Maersk Sealand said Tuesday it has enrolled in a U.S. Customs Service government-industry initiative to tighten cargo container security.
   Maersk Sealand joins NYK as the first ocean carriers to join the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.
   “Maersk Sealand recognizes the important role we play within our customers’ supply chains,” said John J. Hyde, director of security compliance for Maersk Inc. “This reflects our ongoing commitment to working with our customers and U.S. Customs to ensure we are conducting operations at the highest security standards.”
   Maersk will have to complete a Customs “Sea Carrier Supply Chain Security Profile Questionnaire” in its application process. The questionnaire requires ocean carriers to present an overview of their security programs, covering facility security, information security, personnel security, and other areas.
   C-TPAT, which was launched in mid-April, will ultimately be available to brokers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers. To date, around 230 importers have agreed to participate in the initiative, Customs said.
   Maersk Sealand is part of the A.P. Moller Group.