Port of Houston Authority meets ISO international security standards

Houston—After the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) spent three years developing its security management system, the system was certified by ABS Quality Evaluations to ISO 28000:2007. The port is the first port authority in the world to receive the international standard certification.

ISO 28000:2007 specifies the requirements for security management systems and was developed in response to demand from the industry for a standard. Its ultimate objective is to improve the security of supply chains.

“This latest accomplishment of being the first port in the world to be Security ISO 28000:2007 certified is due to the hard work and dedication of the port’s staff and is further evidence of the Port of Houston Authority’s proactive philosophy to lead by example,” said James T. Edmonds, PHA chairman. “This initial certification is only the first part of our continual improvement process, which will lead to the eventual certification of all our terminals.”

Port police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals use the certified PHA security management system. The independent audit by ABS Quality Evaluations validates that PHA is on track with its security measures. These include improvements in security processes, procedures, and practices; more detailed and efficient monitoring and documentation; broader training of the PHA police force and security partners; and more efficient processing of vehicles through its gates.

“We were very impressed with the robustness of the Port of Houston Authority’s management system and the significant effort the Port has put in to achieve this,” said Chuck Russo, president of ABS Quality Evaluations.

The PHA owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, heavy lift cargo, containers, grain, and other dry bulk materials.