Halifax Port Authority Increases Security In Preperation For Cruise Season
April 4, 2002
Perimeter Fencing and Controlled Access Part of Plan
Halifax, NS - The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) announced today its new security plan for the coming cruise season. Security will be enhanced on many fronts to ensure that cruise passengers and crew are safe and secure during their stay in Halifax.
"Security is a priority at the Port of Halifax and we have been quick to address the needs of the cruise lines," said HPA CEO Karen Oldfield. "Our Cruise Ship Facility Security Plan is thorough and balances the safety requirements of the industry, the passengers and our stakeholders who service the ships while they are in port."
The Security Plan includes dedicated on-site Halifax Regional Police providing 24-hour surveillance and mobile patrols of Port Facilities. For 2002, security has been improved through controlled access to cruise facilities, photo identification along with newly declared public restriction zones surrounding the ships' berth, closed circuit television cameras and increased foot patrols. As well a dedicated Cruise Ship Coordinator monitors any concerns and liaises with the Halifax Regional Police during the visits.
"Cruise is an important economic contributor to Halifax and the region," noted Oldfield. We want to ensure its longevity, which means balancing security with business needs. We feel we've accomplished that with the additional measures."
The 2002 season will see 87 calls with over 160,000 passengers visiting the Port of Halifax from 16 cruise lines. The season runs from May 13th to October 25th. The economic spin-off generated from cruise ship activity is significant. Cruise passenger spending shore side was approximately $15 million during the 2001 season, $95 per person.
About Halifax Port Authority
The Halifax Port Authority is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The HPA leads in the development of the Port of Halifax, serving as a catalyst for the local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income impact of almost $700 million and an employment impact of over 9000 direct and indirect jobs.
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