ABS QE Recertifies Port Houston for ISO 28000 Security Management System

The international standard, ISO 28000, sets the framework for security management system that enhances the security of the supply chain, transportation and logistics systems. Port Houston was the first port authority in the world to meet the ISO 28000:2007 standard and continues to lead the maritime transportation sector as one of world's largest ports committed to safety and security.

ISO 28000 certification demonstrates that a company has implemented robust processes that are compliant with the international standard for security management. Port  Houston was recertified to the standard in March 2020 by ABS Quality Evaluations (ABS QE), an affiliate of American Bureau of Shipping.

Port Houston serves the metropolitan area of Houston, Texas, and the port is a 50-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities. It is the busiest port in the United States in terms of foreign tonnage, second-busiest in the U.S. in terms of overall tonnage and the sixteenth-busiest in the world. Since 2008, the Port Houston has taken steps to incorporate best practices in logistics and transportation security as part of its business continuity management. Assessment and compliance with the ISO 28000:2007 standards helps Port Houston develop resilience within the supply chain.

"We are proud to partner with the Port Houston because of its commitment to ISO 28000 certification and its focus to be a world-class port to the facility logistics and transportation sectors. This is a company that adheres to established global standards covering quality and security management, which makes them an industry leader," says Dominic Townsend, President of ABS QE.

Managing businesses in a global environment has become more complex in the twenty-first century, and companies face more risks and uncertainty from natural disasters, terrorism, theft and cyber threats that can destabilize and disrupt the supply chain.

To achieve the security standard, key elements of Port Houston's security process were evaluated, such as vertical integration of security protocols, senior management involvement, operational controls, training, handling of SSI (Security Sensitive Information) and emergency communications. The recertification process is an exhaustive audit performed by ABS QE. All Port Houston-operated terminals were in scope and recertified to the standard.

For more information, continue reading Port Houston's official press release.

From left to right: Michael Ziesemer, PHA Facility Security Manager; David Hill, PHA Facility Security Manager; Anderson Martin Jacintho, ABS QE; Patricia Ramsey, PHA PSEO Program Manager; Patti Macon, ABS QE; Anthony Flenoy, PHA Facility Security Manager; and Jessica Thomas, PHA Security Director.

About ABS Quality Evaluations

ABS Quality Evaluations, Inc. (ABS QE) is a subsidiary of ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (www.abs-group.com). As a world-leading certification body, ABS QE works with companies to improve the performance of their business, systems, people and supply chains through management systems certification, verification, training and assessments, including supply chain and cybersecurity. ABS QE’s global network of auditors plays a crucial role in helping organizations achieve business excellence and obtain the necessary certifications to get products and services to market.

About ABS Group

ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (www.abs-group.com), through its operating subsidiaries, provides technical advisory and certification services to support the safety and reliability of high-performance assets and operations in the oil, gas and chemical, power generation, marine, offshore and government sectors, among others. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ABS Group operates with more than 1,000 professionals globally. ABS Group is a subsidiary of ABS (www.eagle.org), a leading marine and offshore classification society.