Megaports Initiative

Protecting the world's shipping network from dangerous cargo and nuclear materials

The Megaports Initiative works with foreign customs, port authorities, port operators, and/or other relevant entities in partner countries to systematically enhance detection capabilities for special nuclear and other radioactive materials in containerized cargo transiting the global maritime shipping network. In support of this mission, the Megaports Initiative helps partner countries equip major international seaports with radiation detection equipment and alarm communication systems. In addition, the Megaports Initiative provides comprehensive training for foreign personnel, short-term maintenance coverage, and technical support to ensure the long-term sustainment and viability of
installed radiation detection systems.

In addition to its international partners, Megaports collaborates with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), and the U.S. Department of State to counter nuclear and radiological threats to the U.S. and its international partners by installing radiation portal monitors that can be used by CBP officers to scan high-risk U.S.-bound containers.

The goal of the Megaports Initiative is to scan as much container traffic as possible (including imports, exports, and transshipped containers) regardless of destination and with minimal impact to port operations. The Megaports Initiative seeks to equip 100 seaports with radiation detection systems by 2015, scanning approximately 50 percent of global maritime containerized cargo.

Since the start of the Megaports Initiative in fiscal year 2003, NNSA has completed installations at 27 ports to date in: Bahamas, Belgium, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Greece, Honduras (SFI Port), Israel, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Oman (SFI Port), Pakistan (SFI Port), Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Singapore, South Korea (SFI Port), Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom (SFI Port). Implementation is underway at 16 ports in the following locations: Bangladesh, China, Djibouti, Dubai–United Arab Emirate, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, and Spain.

To lear more about the Megaports Initiative, click here.

Learn More About Megaports

Megaports Initiative Brochure

NNSA's Second Line of Defense Fact Sheet