Radiation Detection Tech Fully Operational at Cambodian Port

Global securitynewswire.org

Friday, Sept. 9, 2011

Radiation detection technology supplied by the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration as of Thursday is fully operational at the Port of Sihanoukville in Cambodia (see GSN, Dec. 14, 2009).

The sensor equipment gives Cambodia the ability to check all cargo that enters and leaves the shipping hub for the presence of radioactive or nuclear sources that could be used to build a weapon.

"Our close cooperation with the government of Cambodia on the Megaports project at the Port of Sihanoukville reflects our shared commitment to preventing dangerous nuclear and radiological materials from falling into the hands of terrorists, smugglers and proliferators," NNSA Deputy Administrator Anne Harrington said in released remarks.

Phnom Penh and Washington in 2009 signed an accord to bring the NNSA Megaports Initiative -- a nonproliferation effort that installs radiation detection equipment at large seaports across the globe -- to the Southeast Asian nation. The Megaports Initiative is currently operating in 39 ports, and the U.S. nuclear agency aspires to see that number increased to 100. The initiative falls under the umbrella of the NNSA Second Line of Defense Program, which partners with foreign nations to install radiation sensors at airports, border checkpoints and shipping ports (U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration release, Sept. 8).