Small Boats, Big Worries: Thwarting Terrorist Attacks from the Sea

Interesting excerpt:

No Silver Bullet for Thwarting Terrorists Aboard Small Boats

Interesting excerpt:

The 9/11 attacks proved that terrorists can use virtually any vehicle to strike.

Small boats are no exception. And experts agree they will remain a weapon of choice in the maritime environment, given their low cost, ease of deployment and success record.

“I have believed for the last two years since I’ve been commandant that the small vessel threat is something that we need to look at and consider more seriously,” said Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen.

Small boats can hide in the clutter of military, commercial and recreational vessel traffic at U.S. ports, where unregulated pleasure craft buzz near high-profile military and commercial ships — prime targets for terrorists.

In the past, local law enforcement was tasked with defending ports from small boats. Now DHS is moving toward more interagency cooperation and an increased use of technology to tackle the threat. But its plans are no silver bullet, and recreational boaters fret over the consequences.

Small boats provide terrorists with a myriad of options. They could be used in suicide attacks, as was the case in 2000 when al-Qaida operatives in Yemen rammed an explosives-laden dinghy into the USS Cole, killing 17 U.S. sailors. They could attack ships docked at shore, entering ports or sailing off the coast. They could deliver nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological devices, or be used to mine harbors, wrote James Carafano, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, in a paper entitled, “Small Boats, Big Worries: Thwarting Terrorist Attacks from the Sea.”

Abu Dhabi, UAE, Summit, NJ, March 2, 2009- Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT) and International Golden Group (IGG) have entered into a strategic partnership agreement for the provision of Floating Security Barriers (FSB) / Vessel Exclusion Barriers (VEB) to be installed at critical maritime infrastructure sites in the UAE encompassing oil, gas, power generation, and desalination facilities.

The contract covers 3 years, including the initial contract period with options, and has a value of USD $100 million, if all options are exercised and performance incentives are achieved. The initial production of the contract is being manufactured in Norfolk, VA, USA. The contract provides that WDT will utilize its WhisprWave® Technology to ultimately manufacture FSB components locally in the UAE and provide related maritime services in support of the protective systems.

The initial phase of this agreement is to undertake a pilot project at one of the critical maritime infrastructure sites in Abu Dhabi. Following a successful pilot project with security issues achieved as planned, the partnership agreement will be extended to cover other critical maritime infrastructure sites within the UAE.

The FSB is designed with inherent flexibility to provide a platform that enables the addition of CCTV, Radar, Sonar, Anti-Swimmer Detection and Anti-Intrusion Detection Systems. Moreover, the system will act as a limited wave attenuator and with the addition of an attached oil boom will limit the affected area of oil spills.

According to Mr. Fadil Al Kaabi, CEO of IGG, “This partnership represents a great example of the cooperation between the UAE and USA in sharing technology and expertise to help secure our critical national maritime infrastructure. We look forward to working with WDT to further market this technology throughout the Middle East.”

According to Dennis G. Smith, CEO of WDT, “WDT has successfully marketed and installed its WhisprWave® Technology in the USA, and elsewhere, but this agreement represents a true extension and prime example of cooperation by the USA to meet the UAE’s need for cutting edge technologies and foresight to proactively protect its critical maritime infrastructure. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with IGG.”

About Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc.:
www.whisprwave.com - The Global Leader in Maritime Homeland Port Security Barrier & Buoy Protection Systems

Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT) has developed the patented WhisprWave® floating articulated breakwater technology to afford erosion control protection to shoreline beaches, coastal marinas, anchorages, and other areas subject to destructive erosive wave / wake forces. In addition the WhisprWave® security barrier designs are currently installed, being demonstrated or being reviewed by many US Government Agencies and Foreign Sovereigns including but not limited to the US Army Corp of Engineers "USACE", US Navy "USN", US Coast Guard "USCG", US Army "USA", USMC MEF Iraq, US Bureau of Reclamation "USBR", UAE CNIA, NAOC, and other clients for applications that range from Homeland Security / Force Protection to Beach Erosion Protection to Marina Wave & Wake Protection.

WhisprWave® breakwater technology has wide ranging maritime applications from erosion control to homeland security. The Company has been developing the technology for over 10 years and holds 9 Domestic and International Patents for the WhisprWave®'s unique design and utility, with an additional 23 patents pending.

WDT is a Listed Featured Private Company on www.homelanddefensestocks.com, www.borderandportsecurity.com, and the Investor Ideas Home page www.investorideas.com

About International Golden Group:

International Golden Group LLC is a well established company in Abu Dhabi-UAE specialized in providing High-end Security & Defense Solutions with an excellent reputation in the UAE and Gulf market.

IGG has entered into long-term strategic business alliances with other local and international companies relying on a professional team of highly dedicated and experienced personnel along with a worldwide network of agents and affiliates committed to providing high- level services to its customers.

Through the implementation of the latest advanced technology, IGG is now capable to supply a variety of military, security, civilian and COTS products and technical solutions for various purposes related to the security needs of its clients.
International Golden Group LLC has positioned itself to become soon a first-class manufacturer of special products for the local and regional defense markets.

Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc. (WDT) Chairman and CEO Dennis G. Smith meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Mr. Mohammed Al Ka’abi, IGG’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, at the WDT's trade show booth at IDEX. They spent about five minutes discussing a number of issues about WDT's recently announced contract to provide Floating Security Barriers (FSB's) to the Critical National Infrastructure Authority.

CNIA and IGG sign AED 67 million contract for security water barriers

ABU DHABI, 25th Feb. 2009 (WAM): The Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) has signed an agreement with International Golden Group (IGG) to construct water security barrier systems in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The three-year agreement is worth AED 67 million. The agreement was signed at IDEX 2009 by CNIA’s Director General, Brigadier Engineer Muhair Ali Al Khateri, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of IGG, Mr. Mohammed Hilal Sorour Al Ka'abi. Present at the signing ceremony were a number of officials from CNIA and IGG.

Brigadier Engineer Al Khateri said, "The agreement aims to protect the coastal critical infrastructure and prevent attempts to sabotage or damage them. The agreement also aims to prevent environmental pollution by stopping and containing oil spills, indicating protected areas, and providing security and protection for oil tankers through controlling routes. The agreement also seeks to secure smooth oil export operations and minimize risks to water conditions up to 40% during bad weather." He added that in addition to high durability and resistance, the water security barriers are characterized by high elasticity, easy installation and mobility on any area. The barriers are designed to provide maritime homeland security by allowing for radars, observation cameras and rooms and weapons platforms. These types of security barriers are in use in the United States, Nigeria and other countries.

Mr. Mohammed Al Ka’abi, IGG’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, said, "IGG has built a strategic partnership with Wave Dispersion Technologies, a leading U.S. manufacturer of several designs of a modular water barrier system known as WhisprWave, which meets the requirements of critical sites." He further noted that IGG is showcasing its exclusive new defence systems at IDEX 2009.

Read this document on Scribd: SCIB Featured on Cover of June 2008 PACMAR

On September 11, 2007, Jonathan B Smith, President of Wave Dispersion Technologies, Inc., had the privilege of presenting to members of the Michigan Homeland Security Consortium, industry experts and legislators in Lansing, MI. He was part of a panel discussion on maritime security issues and delivered a speech entitled "Daring to be Different in Business." The goal of his presentation was to provide other homeland security professionals with some business strategies to help tap into the homeland security market. He was honored to be asked to serve on the panel on 9-11 and felt that it was part of his patriotic duty to be part of the conference.