The International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) has established an International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS code). The SOLAS convention has mandated new rules and requirements for carriers and terminals to significantly improve vessel and port security against international terrorism.
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) charges.

The cost of compliance will result in separate ocean carrier and terminal security charges.

The ocean carrier costs elements associated with ISPS code compliance include:

* Vessel security risk assessment
* Vessel certification
* Related security implementation, administrative expenses and operational expenses

Accordingly, Maersk Sealand will introduce globally a "Carrier Security Charge" in the amount of USD 6 per container effective 2 October 2004. The charge will be assessed for account of the cargo. In addition to the "Carrier Security Surcharge", origin and/or destination "terminal security" charges will be passed on separately as these charges are verified as acceptable and reasonable. Several terminals have already now indicated that they will soon introduce their ISPS compliance and
related charges to the shipping public, as a charge being collected through the shipping lines and in certain cases invoiced directly by Port Terminal.

The ISPS security measures provide protection at several security levels, which main elements include:

* Designating facility, ship, and company security officers
* Conducting ship and facility security assessments
* Developing ship and facility security plans
* Approval of plan and audit by certification company
* Providing security training commensurate with job function
* Instituting access control
* Designating restricted areas
* Conducting security monitoring

Maersk Sealand announced as of 1 July 2004 all their vessels and all APM Terminals' operated facilities are in compliance with the ISPS Code.

Other Container Shipping Lines same as Port Terminals worldwide are implementing similar charges. In Buenos Aires Port, Exolgan has already started, Terminal Operators at Puerto Nuevo - Terminales Rio de la Plata - BACTSSA and Terminal 4 are today in tramit to obtain authorization from Port Authorities to start invoicing charges as from next month.