Portuguese Port to Receive U.S. Radiation Detectors

The United States and Portugal yesterday signed an agreement to deploy U.S. nuclear detection equipment at a major Portuguese seaport (see GSN, Sept. 24, 2007).

The memorandum of understanding calls for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration to provide and help install radiation scanners at Portugal’s Port of Lisbon, according to an Energy Department press release.  The U.S. agency is also set to train Portuguese customs officials on the use and maintenance of the equipment.

“Portugal is an important friend to the U.S. and a strong leader in the global effort to combat international terrorism,” U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, who signed the agreement during a trip to Portugal, said in the statement.  “In a time of increased trade and international commerce, it is more important than ever that we continue our global efforts to maintain security at international ports, to prevent supply disruption and combat nuclear proliferation.”

The agreement is part of the Megaports program, through which the Energy Department works to deploy radiation detection equipment overseas to prevent smuggling of material that could be used in nuclear or radiological weapons.  Detection systems are operating at ports in 12 nations and are being deployed at another 19 sites, according to the press release (U.S. Energy Department release, May 26).

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