SSAS Accidentally Triggered, Causing Major Security Operation at Kwai Chung Container Terminal in Hong Kong

January 10: Early this morning the Ship Security Alarm System (SSAS) was accidentally triggered on the container vessel OOCL HAMBURG (IMO #9252008), berthed at Kwai Chung Container Terminal in Hong Kong.

The alarm immediately triggered a major security operation, with local police and counter terrorism teams responding. As a precaution to ensure that crew are not being forced to cancel the alarm, authorities must respond to a SSAS activation regardless of whether the ship alerts them that it was a false alarm.

The vessel was sealed off for three hours while security teams from ashore thoroughly searched the vessel. Strict security measures were implemented at the port during this time.

Source: FleetMon / Mikhail Voytenko