The US Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) Second Line of Defence (SLD) Programme has partnered with key stakeholders in Malta to install a radiation detection system at the Port of Marsaxlokk. The programme strengthens joint efforts to thwart nuclear terrorism. The goal of this collaboration is to strengthen Malta’s capability to deter, detect, and interdict illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials across international borders and through the global maritime shipping system. Partnering with the SLD programme will help Malta reduce the probability of these materials being fashioned into a weapon of mass destruction or radiological device (“dirty bomb”).
In 2010, SLD and Maltese Customs (under the Ministry of Finance, the Economy, and Investment as it was known at the time) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that allowed for the installation of a radiation detection system at the Port of Marsaxlokk. Other key stakeholders include the Malta Freeport Corporation Ltd and the Maltese Radiation Protection Board.
The SLD programme has worked collaboratively with its Maltese partners at the Port to install and sustain a radiation detection system that scans containerized cargo transiting the port for the presence of radiation. In addition to several radiation portal monitors that scan containers at the port, the project design also includes handheld radiation detectors to conduct secondary inspections in the event of an alarm. In addition, SLD has provided training in the operation and maintenance of these systems. The radiation detection system became operational in 2012, and SLD is currently providing Malta with maintenance and technical support during a three year sustainability, or “transition” period.
Malta Freeport is a major transshipment hub in the Mediterranean. The port has enjoyed remarkable growth and positive international recognition with global carriers as a reliable and secure port.
From the beginning of the project, the SLD programme and the Maltese government have worked collaboratively to design and install a system that will be smoothly integrated into port operations. Malta is responsible for operating the system, evaluating and resolving alarms, and the execution of response protocols. Over the course of the three-year transition period, all sustainability functions, including maintenance costs, will transfer to the government of Malta.
In Malta, the primary tool is an SLD-provided radiation portal monitor that scans import, export, and transshipment containers as they pass through cargo lanes. The equipment is passive in that it does not emit radiation and, therefore, poses no risk to those operating the system. The detection equipment measures the radiation levels as container traffic passes through the monitors. If a monitor detects elevated levels of radiation, an alarm is generated and Maltese Customs officers follow their pre-established response protocol to adjudicate all alarms.
The SLD programme provides comprehensive training in the use of the equipment to appropriate Customs and response officials. SLD also provides training in the areas of equipment maintenance and system administration to the Maltese Customs operators and a local maintenance provider, with the goal of transferring full responsibility for the SLD-provided system to Malta by 2015.
As a capacity-building programme, SLD provides radiation detection equipment, training and maintenance, and technical support to its partners. The radiation detection system at the Port of Marsaxlokk is operated by Malta Customs. Currently, the installation is in a “transition” period slated to run until 2015, when USG-provided assistance will be transferred to full Maltese responsibility in accordance with a jointly developed transition plan. Following the transition period, SLD will remain engaged with Malta Customs in the areas of best practices and technical exchanges.
SLD works closely with other US non-proliferation efforts in Malta, such as the US Department of State’s Export Control and related Border Security (EXBS) programme. In addition, SLD has partnered with officials at over 40 seaports and 500 fixed border crossings worldwide to provide partner countries with the right tools to combat nuclear smuggling. Additionally, SLD is active in several of Malta’s regional neighbours, including Portugal and Spain and promotes the development of networks among the countries participating in the programme.
Since 2012, the NNSA has invested approximately $5.5 million for the design and installation of the detection system, training, and maintenance and technical support.