Santo Domingo. - The US Energy Department’s National Nuclear Safety Administration on Wednesday transferred to the Customs authorities a radiation monitoring system to be used in Caucedo Multimodal Port.

The equipment can scan nearly 100% of the containers passing through the port and its estimated value is US$10.0 million.

Customs director Rafael Camilo thanked the U.S. for the donation, and noted the system’s benefits for the country by guaranteeing security and which makes it more competitive in cross-border trade.

As part of the commitments assumed with the donation, Camilo said the alarms center will have trained personnel during the hours of port operations and coordinate secondary inspection with the personnel of the management company DP World, when containers set of suspicious alarms. “This will be done in coordination with the National Energy Commission and all government agencies,” with representatives in the terminal.

In addition, personnel to train new officials will be available to work in the Megaports system and share information on suspicious alarms with the United States Megaports team.

Ambassador Yzaguirre

United States ambassador Raul Yzaguirre said the joint initiative between Dominicana Republic and DP World has prospered here with the support they both have offered, in an effort which has resulted not only in the security at Caucedo Port but has also expanded safety in the entire global maritime system. “We must express our shared commitment today to the enhancement of port security here and reducing the risk that dangerous nuclear or radiological material could be passed as contraband through the global marine system.”