U.S. grants supports Moroccan port security

U.S. grants supports Moroccan port security    The U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a $280,238 grant to the National Ports Agency of Morocco on Monday to promote port safety and security.
   'The grant will create opportunities for the export of U.S. goods and services by funding a feasibility study on the implementation of a vessel traffic management system and a security/surveillance system (VTMS/security system) at two ports in Morocco,' the USTDA said.
   Morocco's National Ports Agency is considering the installation of a VTMS/security system at the ports of Casablanca and Safi.
   VTMS consists of shore-side systems that establish and maintain shipping safety in ports, rivers and coastal waters. The security system will also collect and provide information on suspicious vessels in ports and coastal regions. The USTDA-funded feasibility study will evaluate and develop the technical specifications for the system.
   More details about the grant are available to U.S. companies on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, which is available through link from the USTDA Web site. Morocco's National Ports Agency will select the U.S. contractor to carry out the assistance.