V.Ships, Securicor join forces on port, ship security services

V.Ships, Securicor join forces on port, ship security services    V.Ships, the world’s largest ship management company, has joined forces with London-based security staff provider Securicor Security Ltd. to offer consultancy and support services to help shipping companies and ports meet the requirements of the International Maritime Organization’s new International Ship and Port Security code.
   V.Ships and Securicor have formed a partnership, and will be providing services with immediate effect. Securicor will be lead supplier on port related issues and V.Ships will take the lead on vessel related matters; the other party will act as sub-contractor in some cases.
   “As from July 1, 2004, it is estimated that more than 40,000 commercial vessels and some 2,800 ports handling international trade will be required to have dedicated security plans and be assessed under the new IMO mandatory International Ship and Port Security code,” the two companies said in a joint statement.
   V.Ships said that the partnership would provide shipowners, ship managers, ports and terminals with services to comply with International Ship and Port Security code, as well as services concerning continuous risk assessments, training, security personnel and equipment.
   Operating out of 50 countries, Securicor already provides security services to several British ports through its Securicor Security arm.
   V.Ships, which has some 600 ships under management, said that it commenced training of its Ship Security Officers and Company Security Officers at the beginning of the year to ensure that all its managed vessels, offices and staff comply with the IMO security code before the July 1, 2004 deadline.